In their announcement, the SUNY trustees said Dr. Hartman has consistently demonstrated mastery of his musical specialty and excellence in teaching throughout his career.

Former students from his trombone studio at Crane have performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band and the New York Philharmonic, and have performed at highly regarded national and international performance venues. He has also successfully placed students in some of the most competitive graduate programs in the country.

In support of his teaching, Hartman maintains a rigorous professional performing schedule as a member of the Potsdam Brass Quintet and as principal trombone with the Orchestra of Northern New York and the Northern Symphonic Winds. He has toured New York State conducting the Crane Trombone Ensemble and has given presentations to music educators at statewide, regional and local events for the New York State School Music Association, New York State Band Directors Association and others, as well as authoring articles on trombone pedagogy.

He provided outstanding service as acting associate dean at The Crane School of Music and in other leadership roles on campus.

He has been awarded both the SUNY Potsdam President's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Hartman was also awarded lifetime membership to the International Trombone Association and received the New York State Band Directors Association Award for his service to music education.

The Distinguished Teaching Professorship recognizes and honors mastery of teaching. For this prestigious tribute to be conferred, candidates must have demonstrated consistently superior mastery of teaching, outstanding service to students, and commitment to their ongoing intellectual growth, scholarship and professional growth, and adherence to rigorous academic standards and requirements. Further, a faculty member must have attained and held the rank of full professor for five years, have completed at least three years of full-time teaching on the nominating campus, 10 years of full-time teaching in the System, and must have regularly carried a full-time teaching load as defined by the campus at the undergraduate, graduate or professional level.

Hartman was one of 14 educators statewide chosen by the SUNY trustees for the honor of being named to Distinguished Faculty Rank, and as members of the SUNY Distinguished Academy.

"The Board is honored to bestow these 14 exceptional academics, who come highly recommended by their peers and presidents, with SUNY's most revered ranking of distinction," said SUNY Board Chairman H. Carl McCall. "Their dedication to the students, faculty and staff at their individual campuses as well as to advancing research and sharing knowledge within their fields is laudable. Congratulations to all honorees."

"The individuals joining SUNY's distinguished faculty exude academic excellence, commit themselves to being exemplary professionals inside and outside of the classroom, and relentlessly work to build on SUNY's prominence as a national leader in education and service," said SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson. "Their accomplishments range from producing groundbreaking research to helping students find their passion for learning, and ultimately, to succeeding in their careers. Thank you to all of today's honorees for their service to SUNY and congratulations."