CANTON – Four SUNY Canton faculty and professional staff members have been selected to receive the 2017 Chancellor's Award for Excellence.

To earn this prestigious honor, these employees have demonstrated consistent superior performance, according to SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher:

• Rev. Matthew P. Binkewicz is to receive the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching for his contributions to the Funeral Services Administration program. His 20 years of experience in bereavement counseling and spiritual care enriches the academic experience for his students, preparing them to be successful funeral directors. In addition to his course obligations, he regularly presents special-topic lectures on subjects that will benefit students as they prepare to enter the work force

• Assistant Professor Melissa E. Lee was selected as a recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching for creating an inclusive learning environment in her classroom and on campus. She has developed new curricula about understanding gender and sexuality through literature and has been a co-advisor for SUNY Canton's LGBT+ club for seven years. Her research has been published in a number of academic journals. She is earning her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

• Associate Provost and Dean of Academic Support Services and Instructional Technologies Molly A. Mott, Ph.D., has received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. During her 28-year career, she has led a number of initiatives that have had transformative effects on the college; most notably her vision to modernize the Southworth Library Learning Commons. As one of the first online instructors at SUNY Canton, she subsequently went on to oversee the Department of Online Learning, paving the way for online degree programs.

• Brenda L. Dean, a secretary 2 in the Canino School of Engineering Technology, is the recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service. During her 23-year career at the college, she has earned the respect the entire campus community by demonstrating outstanding professionalism and customer service. Among her many accomplishments is her work to ensure the timely completion of self-study reports that are required for academic program accreditation.

Binkewicz , Lee and Mott will be recognized at the college's 109th Commencement Ceremony May 13.

Dean will be presented with her award at the college's Recognition Day Ceremony May 19.