Faculty, Staff Earn Prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence, 2020

SUNY Schenectady is pleased to congratulate three members of the College’s faculty and staff who earned the prestigious 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. The SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence were created more than 42 years ago to honor the distinguished performance of SUNY’s teaching faculty, librarians, and members of the professional and classified services. Recipients receive cast bronze medallions to be worn at commencements, honors convocations, and other ceremonies. 

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Dean Bennett, Professor in the Division of Liberal Arts
During his 16 years at SUNY Schenectady, Dr. Dean Bennett, Professor in the Division of Liberal Arts, has shown an unparalleled commitment to teaching and to his students. Dr. Bennett has taught 16 different courses, six of which he developed. He actively teaches Western and World Civilizations History courses every semester, and significantly contributes to the diversity of the Liberal Arts curricula by teaching Chinese history, Russian history, European Witch Trials, Viking World, and a historical methods course for History Concentration students. Each semester, the student evaluations he receives are outstanding, and he uses student feedback to continually improve his teaching practices. Dr. Bennett has served on several committees and has been an active advisor to students. He is an outstanding educator, a contributing division member, and a visionary campus leader. Dr. Bennett holds his Ph.D. in History from the University of Washington; M.A. in History from the University of Washington; B.A. in History and Russian from Brigham Young University; and in 2014, he earned an A.S. in Performing Arts: Music from SUNY Schenectady.

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Barbara Jones, Professor in the Division of Liberal Arts

As the founding faculty member for the Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control programs, Barbara Jones, Professor in the Division of Liberal Arts, shares her expertise and enthusiasm with her students. As the sole full-time professor for these programs, she carries the enormous task of supporting all aspects of the programs in orientations, alumni gatherings, and other events. She is also the Advisor to the College’s Flight Team. Professor Jones uses a mix of teaching techniques to explain complicated material and keep students engaged. Her student evaluations are overwhelmingly positive. She has written, revised, and assessed all 27 courses within the two programs. Moreover, she has maintained her knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulation changes. Professor Jones has shown exceptional dedication to her students and to the Aviation programs. She holds a B.S. in Aviation Management/Flight Training from Daniel Webster College and an A.S. in Marketing/Individual Studies from Hudson Valley Community College; Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single and Multi-engine Land; Certificated Flight Instructor, Airplane; and Certificated Instrument Ground Instructor.

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service
Arlene Moran, Executive Secretary I

Through her work in the Office of Development, Arlene Moran, Executive Secretary I, goes above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of students. She exhibits a strong commitment to students, donors, faculty, and staff while demonstrating efficiency, accuracy, customer service, creativity, kindness, and compassion. Arlene is a creative thinker, continuously seeking new opportunities to improve the processes within the office. For example, she created a check requisition tracking system that enables the office to quickly find disbursement details for each month, which is very useful during the annual audit. She is dedicated to providing exemplary customer service, excels at building relationships with donors, and is very thoughtful when it comes to stewarding donors. Her commitment to improving the lives of students makes her a true asset to SUNY Schenectady. She holds a B.A. in English and Anthropology from the University at Albany.