Four Herkimer College Employees Honored with SUNY Chancellor's Awards
Four Herkimer County Community College employees were recently honored with the 2019 SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence.
Debora Brunner, office assistant in the copy center/mailroom, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. Brunner joined the Herkimer College staff in 2005 and has earned a reputation for delivering excellent service to her colleagues. President Cathleen McColgin said, “Deb adjusted to a change in her scope of duties without allowing any of her responsibilities to go unmet, thereby making the transition easier for everyone involved.”
Lisa Elwood-Farber, professor of English, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship & Creative Activities. Elwood has been a member of the English faculty for 15 years. Elwood-Farber has created developmental writing courses as part of an Alternative Learning Program and has written two successful grant applications to fund development of the program. In connection with this program, Elwood-Farber is exploring ideas for developing a writing center at the College that would be run primarily by students. McColgin said, “Several students have credited Professor Elwood-Farber with helping them make the decision to continue their studies and pursue research programs in their chosen fields. This legacy of encouraging new, young scholars demonstrates the fullness and extent of Lisa’s commitment to outstanding scholarship.”
Timothy Rogers, director of campus safety, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Rogers joined the College in 2008, bringing 22 years of experience as a police officer and police investigator. He has provided critical leadership in preparing the campus for potential worst case scenarios. Collaborating with local and state law enforcement agencies, he has organized several active shooter training drills on campus. Rogers has created a community policing model on campus, added a bike patrol, and organized activities that encourage students to interact in a positive way with officers, including Coffee with Camp, Cookies with Rookies, and Casino Night. “Students respect Tim because he is able to make them understand that his compassionate personality is backed by an equally passionate commitment to maintaining a safe campus environment,” said McColgin.
Assistant Professor of Corrections, Kathleen Stables, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Stables was appointed to the faculty in 2006 and has taught numerous criminal justice courses including Juvenile Delinquency, Criminology, Alternative Justice and Introduction to Corrections. She maintains her membership and active participation in professional associations, allowing her to stay current in her field. In addition to being the advisor for the Criminal Justice Club, Stables serves as an academic advisor for approximately 50 students each semester, and has mentored over 20 student honors projects. McColgin said, “Katie has a teaching style and a rapport with students that draw them in and make them want to participate.”
The SUNY Chancellor’s Award program was created to publicly recognize and honor superior professional achievement by faculty and professional staff, and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. The award is designated for faculty and staff members who personify professional excellence and serve as role models not only for the State University of New York community, but for Herkimer County Community College as well.
The award recipients were recognized at Herkimer College’s annual Employee Recognition Ceremony, and at Commencement where each was presented with a bronze medallion. A total of 72 Herkimer College faculty and staff have been honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. A complete list is available at www.herkimer.edu/chancellor-awards.