SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients with President Stephen J. Kolison Jr. (center) include (left to right) Lynn Bowers, Roslyn Smith, Dr. Heather McEntarfer, Rachel Kerr, Dr. Tiffany Nicely, Dr. Thomas Hegna and Elizabeth “Libby” Goblirsch.
President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. and Provost David Starrett recently presented medallions to SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients.
Also recognized at the event was Professor Timothy Frerichs of the Department of Visual Arts and New Media, who was appointed a SUNY Distinguished Professor, the highest rank awarded to faculty by the system administration.
Rachel Kerr and Dr. Tiffany Nicely received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.
Ms. Kerr, an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Communication, has over 25 years of teaching experience, and joined the SUNY Fredonia faculty in 2017. Nomination materials note her commitment to individualized undergraduate education, professional development, and student services. Her colleagues noted that even during COVID-19, she maintained impressive standards of instruction in synchronous and asynchronous internet-based courses in topics such as mass media, international media, media technology and public speaking. Kerr is known as a mentor to students who understands the importance that confidence plays in their preparations for the world outside the classroom. Her approach includes practical methods to help students ground their academic skills in their professional goals.
Colleagues note the exceptional level of inclusiveness in her teaching style, and one colleague wrote, “Rachel is a respected, versatile colleague, with a proven dedication to teaching. Her reputation for warmth and inclusiveness is well known and I enjoy our scholarly conversations that demonstrate stringent research...” A student noted that her “... approach to teaching is marked by empathy, and she demonstrates a sense of open-mindedness that encourages students to express themselves, free of judgment...”
Dr. Nicely, an adjunct Lecturer in the School of Music, received an impressive 20 letters of recommendation from administrators, colleagues and students as part of her nomination portfolio. The letters endorsed the representation of Nicely as the model educator. She has been an adjunct lecturer in the School of Music since 2002, during which she has taught 13 different classes, and organized and led a study abroad program to Ghana four times. Nicely is known particularly for her extensive knowledge of ethnomusicology, drawing from her personal studies and connections with leading performers from various cultures. She shares this rich knowledge with students, helping them connect with the importance of cultural contexts. Her teaching philosophy is to have, “...respect for the students, the content, and the process,” while also ensuring that the course involves challenging goals and opportunities.
One student expressed the impact she has had on his life and career, “The respect and dignity she demonstrates to all students goes without question, but the personal connection she makes as a teacher is just as important. . .she helped me transform an overly enthusiastic, unfocused young musician to a teacher, musician and adult with focus and global perspective.”
Dr. Heather McEntarfer and Professor Roslin Smith received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Dr. McEntarfer is an associate professor in the Department of English, and joined the SUNY Fredonia faculty in 2012. She has taught an impressive 20 different classes. It was noted that at the core of Dr. McEntarfer’s teaching philosophy are values of equity and social justice with the motivation to initiate meaningful societal change. With this in mind, she engages her students in experiential learning and discussions on complex and controversial topics to help students navigate and explore ideas on sensitive topics that will help prepare them for the classrooms they will face as teachers. A former student noted, “I have witnessed Heather facilitate a multitude of conversations with the objective of making all students feel safe in the classroom. These conversations are not always easy to have, but it is something Heather has always shown the strength required to lead, and she does so with the understanding that all students deserve to feel safe in their places of learning.” McEntarfer’s colleagues and students consistently describe her as an exemplary educator who has meaningful impact on her students' lives and futures.
Professor Smith is chair of the Department of Communication and earned an M.F.A. in video production from Bournemouth University in 1997 and a B.A. in Film and Media from Stirling University in 1995. She joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 2014, was promoted to associate professor in 2019 and appointed as chair of the Department of Communication in 2021. She has significantly impacted the department through her diverse teaching portfolio and innovative initiatives like the Communication Ambassador Program. Known for her hands-on teaching approach and high-impact practices, she has enhanced student engagement and success in film and media. It was also noted that her dedication to teaching and filmmaking, supported by numerous awards and successful projects, underscored her profound influence on her students and the broader academic community.
Smith’s contributions extend beyond the classroom with her active involvement in student projects and professional development opportunities, reflected in her students' achievements and accolades. A colleague noted, “Students have repeatedly shared how she inspires, supports, and continues to mentor them even when they are not in one of her classes.”
Dr. Thomas Hegna, an associate professor in the Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.
Dr. Hegna has made several contributions to invertebrate paleontology, significantly advancing the field of geoscience through his extensive research. With 43 scholarly articles, 93 conference papers, and 24 public lectures, his work has been influential and widely recognized. Notably praised by peers for his expertise in fossil arthropods and collaborative approach, Hegna has explored overlooked groups like clam shrimp and thylacocephalans.
Hegna actively involves undergraduate students in research and innovative projects, and it was noted that his commitment to research is also evident in his role as the lead Principal Investigator on a successful National Science Foundation grant. He is known by his colleagues to be exceptionally collaborative and connected. As one colleague wrote, “Dr. Hegna is very engaging and looks for collaboration opportunities both within his university and from diverse institutions. His inclusiveness is admirable and his record of peer reviewed publications with authors from numerous nations demonstrates his commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.”
Lynn Bowers, who is director of Student Accounts, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.
Ms. Bowers started her career at SUNY Fredonia in 2000 as the director of Student Accounts. Her colleagues note she is “dependable, forward-thinking, and intelligent, and demonstrates sound judgment and dedication to excellence when it comes to customer service. In the context of serving both students and their families, she has consistently demonstrated balance when helping to problem-solve and understand a process.” Another colleague noted she is, “extremely conscientious, thorough, and an incredibly hard worker.” In the midst of helping students and their families navigate complexities of paying a student bill, she is known as a collaborator and someone who demonstrates a high level of professionalism. Another colleague stated that she will, “...turn over every stone possible to search for a solution...” when a student finds themselves in hardship.
Elizabeth Goblirsch, a janitor on campus, is the recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.
Ms. Goblirsch, known on campus as “Libby,” wasn’t able to attend the ceremony, but was recognized for her service. She is known across campus for taking tremendous pride in her work, and has been cleaning Thompson Hall since 2011, and was recently transferred to University Commons and the townhouse complex.
Colleagues remark on her ability to befriend many faculty, staff and students across campus and is an asset regardless of her building assignment. In addition, it was said that she takes immense pride in the work she does, has a strong work ethic, and cares about the people and students she serves at Fredonia.
Her colleagues also made a special mention of appreciating how much she contributes to the campus environment, noting she is willing to take care of plants over breaks without being asked, corrects safety concerns such as trip hazards, and goes above and beyond to help students.
