July 7, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce the promotion of three distinguished faculty whose dedication to teaching, scholarship, and service continues to strengthen the College’s academic programs and enrich the student experience.
Penny Rifenburgh and Keri McArdle have both been promoted to the rank of Professor, the highest academic rank awarded at the College. The distinction reflects their sustained record of outstanding teaching, professional achievement, and meaningful contributions to the SUNY Ulster community.
John Sheehan has been promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, recognizing his excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service to the College.
Professor Rifenburgh serves as Chair of the English department, where she teaches poetry and creative writing. She received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2022 and the Anne R. Donovan Award for Innovation in 2023. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to inspiring students through literature, writing, and creative expression.
Professor McArdle teaches Human Services and Psychology. Her expertise includes children and adolescents, individuals with developmental disabilities, and youth and families who have experienced significant trauma or been affected by domestic violence. She has led SUNY Ulster’s Human Services program since 2022 and received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2021. Professor McArdle also developed two microcredentials that prepare students to earn certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), expanding workforce opportunities for graduates.
Professor Sheehan teaches computer science. His areas of expertise include healthcare informatics, medical applications of semantic web technologies, software engineering, and technical entrepreneurship. He received the Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2016 and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2026 and the Anne R. Donovan Award for Innovation in 2018.
Collectively, Professors Rifenburgh, McArdle, and Sheehan have been recognized with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching, reflecting the exceptional quality of instruction and student mentorship that define SUNY Ulster’s faculty. Through their teaching, scholarship, and leadership, they are helping prepare students for successful transfer, careers, and lifelong learning.
“Faculty excellence is the foundation of student success,” said SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. “These promotions recognize the outstanding teaching, scholarship, and leadership of Penny Rifenburgh, Keri McArdle, and John Sheehan. Their commitment to our students and to academic excellence strengthens every aspect of the SUNY Ulster experience, and I am proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”
Faculty promotions are awarded through a rigorous review process that evaluates excellence in teaching, professional development, scholarship, and service to the College. Promotion to the rank of Professor or Associate Professor reflects sustained achievement and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the College’s mission.
About SUNY Ulster
SUNY Ulster is a community college of the State University of New York serving Ulster County and the Hudson Valley. The College provides high-quality, affordable education to more than 6,000 students annually through transfer and career degree programs, workforce training, continuing education, and lifelong learning opportunities. SUNY Ulster prepares students for success in higher education, rewarding careers, and engaged citizenship while strengthening the economic and cultural vitality of the region.
For more information about SUNY Ulster, visit sunyulster.edu.
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From Left: Professor Penny Rifenburgh, Professor Keri McArdle, and Associate Professor John Sheehan.