CANTON -- The SUNY Canton employee responsible for recruiting North Country students has won an award for exceptional service to the high school counseling community.

Assistant Director of Admissions Chelsea E. Chase received special recognition at the annual SUNY College Admissions Professionals (SUNYCAP) conference in early June. She was nominated for the award by her peers and area high school guidance counselors and selected from a pool of employees from across the entire SUNY system.

"Chelsea has served our students and parents in a professional manner and unselfishly gives her time to all of the schools in our area," said Ogdensburg Free Academy Guidance Counselor Richard D. "Dick" Christy. "Her interpersonal skills and depth and breadth of knowledge about the programs available to students at SUNY Canton have benefitted many of our students throughout her career."

Chase has been working at the college for nearly 10 years, and is one of the longest serving members of the admissions team. The majority of SUNY Canton students come from her territory.

"Chelsea visits every high school in St. Lawrence County during the travel season and makes multiple trips back to each school for supplemental visits throughout the year," wrote Senior Admissions Counselor Hannah Young in the formal nomination submission. "She also organizes financial aid literacy days for her applicants where she reviews each student's award package with them so each applicant is completely prepared to start their first day of college."

The Assistant Director of Admissions was completely surprised when she received the commendation. Director Melissa J. Evans was thrilled to see Chelsea recognized for her years of hard work and dedication. "It was exciting to see the surprise on Chelsea's face when her name was called, but really I can think of no one more deserving."

"It is great to recruit for SUNY Canton because our programs really do make a difference in today's society," Chase said. "The affordability, hands-on learning and dedicated faculty that characterize our college combine to produce a positive and caring educational environment. I truly enjoy representing the campus and it's ideals."

Director Melissa J. Evans was also a panel speaker at the SUNYCAP conference where Chase received her award. Senior Admissions Counselor Julia E. Radley also served on the organization's executive board representing all of the SUNY Technology Sector colleges.