Month: June 2026

SUNY Ulster Shines in Middle States Review, Earning Reaffirmed Accreditation and Five Commendations for Excellence

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STONE RIDGE, N.Y. – June 30, 2026 – Today, the Middle States Commission
on Higher Education (MSCHE) has reaffirmed SUNY Ulster’s accreditation through
2034, marking the most successful accreditation review in the College's history. The
decision confirms that SUNY Ulster meets all seven of MSCHE’s Standards for
Accreditation following a comprehensive three-year institutional self-study and an
intensive on-site visit by the MSCHE peer evaluation team representing eight colleges
and universities.MSCHE accreditation is a comprehensive review that evaluates an institution’s
educational quality, governance, planning, financial sustainability, and overall
effectiveness in fulfilling its mission and supporting student success. During its March
2026 campus visit, the evaluators concluded that SUNY Ulster met each of MSCHE’s
seven accreditation standards.

In addition to reaffirming accreditation, the evaluation team recognized SUNY
Ulster for exemplary practices, which earned the College five commendations in five
areas, highlighting the College's student-centered culture, commitment to continuous
improvement, and strategic focus on serving the emerging populations in Ulster County.
The team praised the College’s thoughtful use of assessment to strengthen shared
governance, as well as the extraordinary dedication of its faculty and staff. In one of its
strongest endorsements, the evaluators noted that students feel deeply engaged, seen,
and supported, a reflection of the caring, transformative educational experience that
defines SUNY Ulster.

“This is a proud moment for SUNY Ulster,” said President Alison Buckley, Ed.D.
“This marks the most successful accreditation review in the College’s history. Earning
reaccreditation for the maximum eight-year term while also receiving recognition for
exemplary practices in five areas reflects the extraordinary talent, dedication, and hard
work of our faculty, staff, and campus community. This achievement reflects the
collective efforts of our entire campus community, with outstanding leadership from
Professors Penny Rifenburgh and Steven Schimmrich and Assistant Librarian Tess
Hartman-Cullen, who guided the self-study process with exceptional skill and
dedication. I am especially gratified that the visiting team recognized what makes SUNY
Ulster so special: a transformative educational experience where every student is seen,
valued, and supported. That recognition affirms our mission and inspires us to continue
creating opportunities that change lives and strengthen our community.”The successful reaffirmation reflects the contributions of faculty, staff,
administrators, trustees, students, alumni, and community partners who participated
throughout the self-study process and concludes a three-year process that engaged 67
faculty, staff, and administrators serving on seven working groups.

Board of Trustees Chair Robert Jacobsen congratulated the College community
on the achievement.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for SUNY Ulster, and the Board of
Trustees is proud to congratulate President Buckley, our faculty, staff, and everyone
who contributed to this outstanding result. Reaccreditation at this level is earned
through years of dedication and a shared commitment to doing what's best for students.
The visiting team’s recognition of the College’s caring culture, strong governance, and
commitment to continuous improvement confirms what we have long known—that
SUNY Ulster is changing lives and making a meaningful difference throughout Ulster
County. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is an independent
institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that serves as a
definitive voice in higher education. Through a peer-review process, MSCHE promotes
educational excellence and institutional effectiveness across a diverse membership of
colleges and universities.
About SUNY Ulster
SUNY Ulster is a community college of the State University of New York, serving Ulster
County and the Hudson Valley with high-quality, affordable education to over six
thousand students annually. The college offers transfer and career programs, workforce
training, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students for success in college,
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SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees Appointments

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portraits of Tracey Bartels, Anna M. Brett and Dr. Diane Eynon

June 18, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Dr. Diane Eynon, of Accord, and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and the Ulster County Legislature has appointed Tracey Bartels, of Gardiner, and reappointed Anna M. Brett, of Kingston, to the College’s Board of Trustees.

Appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in December 2025, Dr. Eynon brings more than 35 years of global leadership in business development, higher education, and international consulting. She has led strategic initiatives and partnerships across the private, public, and academic sectors, working with organizations worldwide including the OECD, World Economic Forum, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations agencies. Her multidisciplinary research and teaching focus is on higher education, economic development, and gender equity, with an emphasis on advancing women’s opportunities globally.

Dr. Eynon served as Senior Fellow and Director of the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and is the founder of WEE (Women-Equality-Equity) Matter. She holds a B.S. and M.S. from West Chester University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a Certificate in Economic Growth and Development from the University of Pennsylvania, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania.

Trustee Eynon stated, “I am honored to join the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees and to have the opportunity to support an institution that plays such an important role in transforming lives through education. Community colleges create pathways to opportunity, strengthen local communities, and prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Trustees, College leadership, faculty, staff, and students to advance SUNY Ulster’s mission and contribute to its continued growth and impact.”

Appointed by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and the Ulster County Legislature in December 2025, Tracey Bartels, former Chair of the Ulster County Legislature, joins the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees with extensive legislative, professional, and community experience. She was first elected to the Ulster County Legislature in 2003, served from 2004 to 2007, and returned to office in 2012 through 2023 following a hiatus devoted to her career and family.

Bartels earned a degree with honors in Film and Television Production from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is an award-winning filmmaker and member of the Writers Guild of America East.

In her 16 years of public service, Bartels built a reputation for environmental advocacy and fiscal accountability.  Bartels has a strong record of supporting significant county spending reductions, opposing tax increases, and advancing tax relief for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.  She is also a long-time proponent of open government and environmental stewardship, authoring and supporting measures that increased public transparency, strengthened sustainability standards, and protected Ulster County’s natural resources.

“SUNY Ulster has a long-standing tradition of transforming lives through education, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help advance that work as a Trustee. I look forward to collaborating with the Board, College leadership, faculty, and staff to strengthen opportunities for students and ensure the College remains a valuable resource for our community and region,” said Trustee Bartels.

Anna Brett has served on the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees since 2012, following appointments by Ulster County Executives Michael P. Hein and Jen Metzger, with her current term extending through 2031. A dedicated trustee for more than thirteen years, she has chaired the Personnel, Educational Programs and Community Services Committee and the Nominating Committee, advancing a student-centered vision for the College. In recognition of her service, Brett received NYCCT’s Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service in October 2024.

A retired educator, Brett spent more than three decades in the Kingston City School District as a teacher, administrator, and principal. She is also a long-time supporter of the Ulster Community College Foundation, actively involved in fundraising and scholarship support. A respected community leader and volunteer, Brett has been recognized by numerous organizations throughout Ulster County for her commitment to leadership and serving the community.

Trustee Anna Brett stated, “Serving on the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees has been both a privilege and a rewarding experience. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me through this reappointment and remain committed to ensuring that SUNY Ulster continues to provide accessible, high-quality education and meaningful opportunities for students throughout our region.”

Chair Robert Jacobsen stated, “We are pleased to welcome our newest Trustees to the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees. The Board benefits from the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of its members, all of which come together in support of the College’s mission. As community colleges continue to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunity, strong leadership and community engagement are more important than ever. I look forward to working with them, and our entire Board, to prioritize student success, create a welcoming academic environment for both traditional students and adult learners, and secure the College’s success now and into the future.”— Robert R. Jacobsen, Chair, SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees.

SUNY Ulster President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D., stated, “We are pleased to welcome our newest Trustees and grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, County Executive Jen Metzger and the Ulster County Legislature for their continued support of SUNY Ulster. Strong governance and community leadership are essential to advancing our mission and supporting education, and we are confident that our Trustees will help guide the College as we expand opportunity, foster student success, and strengthen our impact throughout Ulster County.”

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High School Seniors to Compete in Anita Williams Peck

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Press Re;ease

Kingston High School Seniors to Compete in Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition for $7,500 in Scholarships

Sponsored by the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.

June 10, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – On Monday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m., seven Kingston High School students will compete in the annual Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition for $7,500 in scholarship awards for the best public speaking presentations. The event will be held at SUNY Ulster in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus.

The event will feature qualifying seniors presenting five-minute persuasive speeches on current event topics of their choice before a panel of noted judges.

Three scholarship awards totaling $7,500 will be presented: 1st place, $3,500; 2nd place, $2,500; and $1,500 for 3rd place. Judging the competition will be Stephen Balantzian, Associate Professor of Communication & Theatre, and Coordinator of Media & Performing Arts, and Mary Tarzca ‘78, Professor of Communications.

Established through a partnership between the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., and Kingston High School, with a charitable gift from Anita Williams Peck, who continued to support the program annually, the competition is designed to encourage students to refine their oral communication skills.

“Communicating effectively and speaking with confidence are among the most valuable skills students can develop,” said SUNY Ulster President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D.  “The Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking competition celebrates the power of ideas, the courage to share them, and the opportunity for students to discover the impact of their voices. We are deeply grateful for Anita’s enduring legacy and impact in making this possible, which continues to invest in students as they develop the confidence, communication skills and leadership abilities that will serve them throughout their lives.”

The College and members of the community experienced a great loss with the unexpected passing of Ms. Peck in January 2019. Longtime proprietor of Williams Lake, Ms. Peck is also remembered for her civic leadership and guidance as a past chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Anita Williams Peck’s legacy includes her personal dedication to others, her spirit, and her generosity to so many.  She endowed the Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition with a major gift to the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., which ensures the continuation of this event in perpetuity.

This event is free and open to the public.

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SUNY Ulster Announces President’s and Dean’s Lists for Spring 2026

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June 15, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster releases its President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester. Of the 328 full-time and part-time students who made the President’s and Dean’s lists, 72 are Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. scholarship recipients.

Full-Time President’s List

A total of 102 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 2026 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 and higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Spring 2026 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Matthew Beesmer, Sophia Johnson, Nora Suszczynski.
  • Albany:  Manu Almonte-Cabrera.
  • Bearsville:  Navah McElroy.
  • Catskill:  Aidan Ryan.
  • Clintondale:  George Space.
  • Cold Spring:  Doris Jean Kolarek.
  • Ellenville: Meadow Concepcion, Matthew Urquia.
  • Gardiner:  Jordan Delano, Mackenzie Kwak.
  • Hartsdale:  Asif Bhuiyan.
  • High Falls:  Nate Borner.
  • Highland:  Maddyson Jones, Manny Markman.
  • Hurley:  Austin Bonse, Garrett Parker.
  • Kerhonkson: Janette Bower, Tucker Chase, Kendra Lake.
  • Kingston:  Chloe Auringer, Joseph Cafaro, Cristian Chun Coy, Angelica Cullo, Melissa Engracia, Riley Fisher, Katherine Jones, Kimberly Kilbride, Anne Larsen, Rui Li, Catherine Maisonet, Kaya McDowell, Claire Nelson, Leila Ohkawa, Liza Mae Robison, Lillian Sherman-Godfrey, Oliver Tixi.
  • Lake Katrine:  Hannah Blass, Scott Burke, Brianna Constable, Max Molyneaux.
  • Middletown:  Steven Potenzieri.
  • Napanoch:  Ethan Cataldi, Daniel Farfan.
  • New Paltz:  Marilyn Abangwaoh, Braxton Lehman, Austin Moore, Marisa Morreale, Stella Muyanga, Tsumugi Sakamoto, Natalia Seager.
  • Newburgh:  Robert Conti, Chase Rounds, Trisha Van Tassel-Betley.
  • Olivebridge:  Abby Taylor.
  • Phillipsport:  Richard Rober.
  • Pine Bush:  Salina Julio.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Latte Martin.
  • Salisbury Mills:  Henry Faber.
  • Saugerties:  Raya Ackert, Jack Bucci, Isabella Clausi, Christina Cox, Gigi Jacques, Riley Naccarato, Anna Peterson, Joseph Schaffer, Mackenzie Zeidler.
  • Stone Ridge:  Sophia Clark.
  • Ulster Park: Nicholas Coutant, Hans Fraude.
  • Wallkill:  Joseph Alvarado, Amin Booker, Jeff Conroy, Alex Crandon, Khalil Farrell, Pablo Garcia, Rohan Hamilton, John Hamlett, Donell Jackson, Pochly Jean Baptiste, Patrick Jeanty, Kevin Maldonado-Irizarry, Jared Manuel, Reginald McDonald, Donald Michel, Joseph Moss, Raymond Mundo, Anthony Nash, Igborakiniun Papalegba, Rasheed Rice, James Richard, Joel Roberts, Aenghus Rose, Lucien Salnave, Derven Thompson, Hasan Vaughan, Zachary Williams.
  • West Hurley:  Mara Dean.
  • Woodstock:  Adam Funk, Vivian Leon.

Part-Time President’s List

  • A total of 28 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 2026 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.
  • The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 or higher, plus other requirements.
  • The part-time Spring 2026 President’s List, by area, is as follows:
  • Accord:  Ryan Brennan, Cleo Gebert.
  • Albany:  Trisha Churchill.
  • Gardiner:  Benjamin Diemoz, Adolfo Garcia.
  • Highland:  Dia Dearstyne Hoste, Tyrese Gardener, Lee Towsley.
  • Kerhonkson:  Michele Ramos.
  • Kingston:  Melissa Clark, Samuel Kane-Horrigan, Sam Wolven.
  • Lake Katrine:  Zachery Ryan.
  • New Paltz:  Leo Beaumont, Julia Breaux, Jonah Grossman, Vlada Zhilnikova.
  • Newburgh:  Stephen Conti.
  • Palenville:  Brittany Topple.
  • Pine Bush:  Johanna Neville.
  • Pleasant Valley:  Angela Curcio.
  • Port Ewen:  Matthew Wright.
  • Saugerties:  Terri McAleer.
  • Stone Ridge:  Lyndsey Borzumato-Seeman, McKenna Frentz, Phoebe Stewart.
  • Wallkill:  Aaliyah Gaston, Justin Sprankle.

Full-Time Dean’s List

A total of 155 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Spring 2026 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Hunter Ridgely, Jake Short.
  • Albany:  Laiya Jade.
  • Boiceville:  Hudson Anderson, Adam Rose.
  • Brooklyn:  Neal Santos.
  • Cairo:  Lela Valles.
  • Clifton, NJ:  Austin Blesing.
  • Clintondale:  Lucia DeAngelo, Maya Kodra.
  • Connelly:  Alexis McArthur.
  • Cottekill:  Odin Vitek.
  • Dover Plains:  Amber Polocko.
  • Ellenville:  Bella Duarte, Luvian Escalante, Sara Gonzalez, Gabriel Julca.
  • Gardiner:  Nicholas Caracciolo, Tate Mattioli, Evan Trifilo.
  • Greenville:  Samuel Buquet.
  • Haverstraw:  Mohamed Fadl.
  • High Falls:  Chloe Goodin.
  • Highland:  Giovanni Arpino, Rachel Robinson.
  • Hopewell Junction:  Culann Gage.
  • Hurley:  Sean Cornelison, Bean Crane-Euvino, Troy Hajba, Wade Holsapple, Anna Tochterman, Aneska Zindulka.
  • Kerhonkson:  Jon Chamberlain, Ella Drouin, Candice DuBois, Keara Johnson, Abriana Pennacchio.
  • Kingston:  Elizabeth Amell, Gabe Auringer, Kailee Cammarata, Rafael Castillo, Mia Chambers, Cesar Dacosta, Evan Fasano, Ayla Fish, Shade’ja Florence, Carly Frasch, Aurora Garcia, Liam Griffin, Kyle Guido, Brian Hilton, Sonia Irizarry, Haven Kara Forte, Dominique Kelley, Ayden LaBounty, Jake Martino, India Martinson, Daniel Moeykens, Amber Murchison, Dylan Murphy,  Kimberly Olson, Joseph Orlando, Esther Pallas, Emiliano Ramirez Navarrete, Katherine Sagastume Beb, Katheryn Salguero, Giuliana Schleuderer, Zion Solis-Jackson, Jamie Temple, Gianna Vianello, Julissa Vizcaino, Liliana Wallace.
  • Lake Katrine:  Emily Cardis, Jillian Prendergast, Abraham Ramesh.
  • Lake Worth, FL:  Alexander Joseph.
  • Marlboro:  Charles Gent, Jennifer Waage.
  • Middletown:  Adam Coddington.
  • Montgomery:  Abigayle Wilson.
  • Monticello:  Tyler Beadle.
  • Napanoch:  Conner Beckley, Kal’el Hull.
  • New Paltz:  Gabriel DeFoe, Aidan Ellis, Benjamin Fromm, Jonah McDuffie, Mercedees Rosado, Adam Snyder, Nino Tuccillo, Jenna Vasquez, Gabriella Walsh, Yating Yang, Wendy Zhao.
  • Newburgh:  Jadin O’Neill, Giada Post, Jonathan Roosa, Angel Rosario Giron.
  • Oceanside:  Daniel Pignataro.
  • Olivebridge:  Josh Kurz.
  • Plattekill:  Jelissa Ortiz.
  • Port Ewen:  Madison McDermott.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Aiden North, Maxen Rodriguez, Alyssa Young.
  • Red Hook:  Connor Gibson.
  • Rifton:  Kaylee Galewaler.
  • Rosendale:  Matt Carvin, Emmett Feldman, Michael Sweeney, Angelina Williams.
  • Saugerties:  Denise Augustus, Dakota Balding, Katie Bucci, Sullivan Callahan, Aiden Carlotti, Cameron Churchill, Miya Gambino, Bruce Lent, Kelly Mazzuca, Holden Myers, Mya Pineiro, Caden Powers, Sydney Sidor, Jordan VanValkenburg.
  • Schenectady:  Alyse Conseillant.
  • Shokan:  Brenden Lomoe-Thompson.
  • Stone Ridge:  Ethan Bowman, Sierra Hikade, Kylie Ivan, Charlotte Smiseth.
  • Tillson:  Juliana Hartwell, Israel Valdez Sanchez.
  • Ulster Park:  Benjamin Dudley, Latoya Green-Grant.
  • Wallkill:  Michael Bonagura, Gabriel Crespi, Hamilton Croft, Shamali Curry, BrookLynn DeRosa, Camila Gomez, Willie Jackson, Shannon Lovitt, Kaia Mohammed, Giovanni Paneto, Leroy Porteous, Richard Poux, Andre Rodriguez, Maya Rodriguez, Lawrence Watson.
  • Wawarsing:  Alexander LaBounty.
  • West Hurley:  Marena Quick.
  • West Shokan:  Nico Paynter.
  • Willow:  Luca Roefs.
  • Woodstock:  Sable Bielawa.

Part-Time Dean’s List

A total of 43 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is at least 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The part-time Spring 2026 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Louise Rizzuto.
  • Bala Cynwyd, PA:  David Garzon.
  • Ellenville:  Ryan Barbieri.
  • Halfmoon:  Michael Luck.
  • High Falls:  Jade Cruz.
  • Highland:  Alexandra Grant, John Martin, Chelsea Medina, Jack Vett.
  • Hurley:  Carlos Perez-DuBois.
  • Kerhonkson:  Keitha Brown.
  • Kingston:  Marquita Byrd, Christopher Decker, Sia Duncan, Rosemary Gonzalez, Manuel Guerra, Macey Hahne, Lydia Haynes, Cody MacLeod, Michael McGrath, Desire Rodriguez.
  • Monroe:  Michele Capizzuto, Jordan Fusco.
  • Napanoch:  Laura Stevens.
  • New Paltz:  Nylla Gullickson, Spencer MendezNewell.
  • Olivebridge:  Victoria Amarilla-Barrios.
  • Pine Bush:  Isabella Neville.
  • Port Ewen:  Maeve Halliday.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Alicia Barnes, Dana Sky Faison.
  • Red Hook:  Prestell Pinckney.
  • Rhinebeck:  Margaret Gutmann.
  • Saugerties:  Tracy Lynch-Steyer.
  • Shady:  Rio Frisina.
  • Stone Ridge:  Carsyn Wolford.
  • Tillson:  Sophie Ennest
  • Ulster Park:  Kenny Winters.
  • Wallkill:  Kiera Bartelt, Grey Lowell, Michael Piaquadio.
  • Wawarsing:  Giselle Gonzalez.
  • West Shokan:  Ava Calinda.

2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

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Chancellor's Award Medal

SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff Honored with 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards
for Excellence

June 3, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster proudly announces that four distinguished members of its faculty and staff have been recognized with the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, one of the highest honors bestowed across the State University of New York System. This year’s awardees include John Sheehan, Tina Pfeiffer, Tess Hartman-Cullen, and Mary Prato.

These awards are conferred to acknowledge and provide system-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. It underscores SUNY’s commitment to sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, and providing the highest quality of instruction or service to the campus community.

Each honoree has demonstrated an exceptional record of accomplishment, as well as the admiration and respect of colleagues for their leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to students.

John Sheehan, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. A colleague shared, “John has been a mentor and professor in computer science, growing the program, building strong relationships with students, and helping them succeed. He always has a smile and takes time to help students in need.”

Tina Pfeiffer, Adjunct Instructor in Nursing, was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. A peer noted, “Each student who has had the privilege to work with Professor Pfeiffer has gained knowledge, experience, and skills in the nursing profession. She is always willing to contribute her time and expertise to support both students and faculty and to advance the Nursing Program.”

Tess Hartman-Cullen, Assistant Librarian and Interim Accreditation Liaison Officer, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. As one colleague remarked, “Tess is deeply committed to student success. Whether through mentorship, curriculum development, campus leadership, or stepping up to assume a key leadership role in the College’s MSCHE self-study process, she consistently works to create a supportive and enriching learning environment. Her thoughtful, student-centered approach makes her an invaluable part of the SUNY Ulster community.”

Mary Prato, Head Cleaner in Maintenance & Plant Operations, was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. A peer commented, “Mary never walks in front of you; she walks alongside you, always making you feel that we are a team.”

 “I am honored to celebrate the faculty and staff members who have been recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence,” said SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. “This distinguished recognition reflects their exceptional dedication to our students, their colleagues, and the mission of public higher education. Through their leadership, innovation, service, and commitment to excellence, they embody the very best of SUNY Ulster and demonstrate the transformative impact community colleges have on the individuals and communities we serve. We are proud of their achievements and grateful for the meaningful contributions they make to our College every day.”

Individuals selected for this tribute are the SUNY community’s role models in their respective area. In acknowledgement of their selection, recipients are given recognition for the specific award received in the college catalog and commencement program, a letter, certificate, and a medallion. SUNY Ulster applauds their hard work and effort in going above and beyond for both their colleagues and students.

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