Deborah S. Molnar (second from left) demonstrates laboratory equipment to students Kaylee M. O’Donnell of DeKalb Junction, Stephanie R. Rondeau of Watertown and Alyssa R. Recny of Keeseville.

CANTON -- SUNY Canton will recognize one of its professors on April 23.

Deborah Molnar will receive the Distinguished Faculty Award at 4:15 p.m. that day during the avid V. Guccione Honors Convocation ceremony at 4:15 p.m. in the SUNY Canton Roos House Athletic Center.

A physical therapy professor, Molnar has guided the program through two reaccreditation processes and its students pass a national exam with higher-than-average scores, a statement from SUNY Canton says.

She is credited with forging a partnership between SUNY Canton and the International Institute for Health Sciences (IIHS) in Sri Lanka. Students enrolled in the program attend IIHS for 18 months before traveling to the U.S. for three semesters at SUNY Canton. The first international students graduated from the program in May 2013, SUNY Canton said.

"Deborah has worked tirelessly to ensure the international initiative is reviewed properly, accreditation guidelines are met and the students are given an opportunity to change not only their lives but also the future of their country," SUNY Canton Visiting Professor and former Director of International Programs Marela Fiacco said in the release. "Bringing students from IIHS has also ensured that SUNY Canton students benefit from working side by side with students from Sri Lanka and gaining a better cultural understanding."

Molnar is a member of numerous academic committees and serves as a faculty mentor. She designed the curriculum for the health and fitness Promotion bachelor's degree and assisted in developing the four-year veterinary science program, according to SUNY Canton.

Molnar resides in Norfolk with her husband, George, and two children, Sidney and Bodie.