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SUNY Potsdam Employees Honored with Chancellor's and President's Awards

SUNY Potsdam Recognizes 16 Faculty and Staff Members for Excellence

Potsdam, NY (06/23/2023) — SUNY Potsdam recently honored 16 faculty and staff members with the 2023 Chancellor's Awards and President's Awards, in recognition of their dedication and service to the campus.

This year, two employees received Chancellor's Awards, while another 14 were honored with President's Awards. The Chancellor's Awards for Excellence are SUNY-level honors, conferred to acknowledge and provide system-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. The President's Awards are open to faculty and staff at SUNY Potsdam, including PACES Dining Services, the Child Care Center and campus Research Foundation employees.

This year's Chancellor's Award recipients were as follows:

Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching:

Professor Dr. Anthony "Tony" Betrus '93 & '94 is assistant chair of the Department of Business Administration, where he oversees the College's online graduate programs in management, educational technology and instructional design. A model of teaching excellence, Betrus has dedicated his career to teaching and supporting students through innovative programs. With a portfolio of 23 self-created courses, Betrus sets high standards for his students, delivering cutting-edge content and fostering a supportive learning environment. He has been instrumental in introducing new modes of program delivery, including the development of fully online graduate programs. His courses incorporate real-world applications and involve students in research and creative endeavors, helping to build students' portfolios as they gain expertise. In addition, Betrus serves as an academic advisor to the men's soccer team, the faculty athletics representative to the NCAA, and he advises and helped to establish the College's growing student Esports Club. His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Thomas L. and Jane D. Russell Distance Education Faculty Excellence Award. Betrus has also secured grant funding exceeding $1.5 million, supporting initiatives at SUNY Potsdam and benefiting local schools and communities.

Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service:

Michelle Martin-White is the administrative assistant for the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Throughout her time at SUNY Potsdam, Martin-White has consistently demonstrated exceptional service to the campus community. She has been an innovator in creating online processes within her department, to create more efficient and accessible workflows for various forms, services and systems, helping her office to better serve students, faculty and staff. She utilizes her graphic design skills to compile the weekly Campus Life activities newsletter, helping to raise awareness of campus events and organizations. In addition to her exceptional work within her role, Michelle's unwavering commitment to SUNY Potsdam and its students is evident through her volunteer efforts to support public health. She selflessly assisted with weekly student testing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and likewise assisted with vaccination clinics for monkeypox, COVID and influenza, all while maintaining a high level of service in her administrative duties. Her ability to multitask, adapt and think creatively has consistently proven invaluable to the campus community. In recognition of her efforts, she has previously been honored with the President's Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

This year's President's Award recipients included:

  • President's Award for Excellence in Academic Advising: David Heuser, Associate Dean and Professor of Music Theory and Composition, The Crane School of Music
  • President's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching: Patricia Burdick, Instructor, Department of Biology
  • President's Award for Excellence in Auxiliary and College Educational Service: Ashley LaRock, Potsdam Auxiliary College and Educational Services
  • President's Award for Excellence in Auxiliary and College Educational Service: Dustin Greene, Potsdam Auxiliary College and Educational Services
  • President's Award for Excellence in Clerical Service: Katie Logan, Administrative Assistant I, Division of Advancement
  • President's Award for Excellence in College Service: Patrick O'Brien, Director, Environmental Health and Safety
  • President's Award for Community Service and Outreach: Dr. Nancy Lewis, Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
  • President's Award for Fostering a Welcoming and Inclusive Campus Climate: Jessica Burnett '09 & '11, Director, Accommodative Services
  • President's Award for Fostering a Welcoming and Inclusive Classroom Environment: Dr. Jan Trybula, Associate Professor, Department of Biology
  • President's Award for Excellence in Operational Services: Tammy Russell, Janitor, Physical Plant/Custodial Services
  • President's Award for Excellence in Professional Administrative Service: Mark Michaud, University Police Officer 2
  • President's Award for Excellence in Professional Service: Matthew LeBire, Assistant Director of Institutional Research, Division of Institutional Effectiveness
  • President's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities: Dr. Ivette Herryman Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, Crane School of Music
  • President's Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Erin Brooks, Associate Professor of Music History, Crane School of Music

To find out more about employment at SUNY Potsdam, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/offices/hr.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

SUNY Potsdam Professor Dr. Tony Betrus ’93 & ’94 (left) is the recipient of the 2023 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Michelle Martin-White, the administrative assistant for the offices of student affairs and student conduct and community standards at SUNY Potsdam, is the recipient of the 2023 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

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