Two Herkimer College Employees Honored with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

Two Herkimer County Community College employees were recently honored with the 2018 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

Donald Dutcher with President Cathleen McColgin and Board of Trustees Chairwoman, Isabella Crandall

Donald Dutcher, Director of Athletics, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Dutcher has served as the Athletic Director for Herkimer College since October of 2004. The effectiveness of his leadership is reflected in the list of awards his department has received over that 14-year period, including being recognized as the number one non-scholarship NJCAA division III two year college athletic program in the nation, for three out of the past four years. Dutcher works closely with his coaches to help students gain an awareness of themselves as both individuals and as members of a community. Examples of our student athletes’ civic involvement under his leadership include visits to elementary schools to read to children and talk with them about making safe, healthy choices; volunteering for Habitat for Humanity projects; and conducting toy and book drives for children from economically at-risk families. President Cathleen McColgin said, “As an alumnus and former Herkimer College student-athlete himself, Don’s dedication to Herkimer College, to NJCAA athletics and to the success of SUNY are all strong currents running through his leadership.”

David Higgins with President Cathleen McColgin and Board of Trustees Chairwoman, Isabella Crandall

David Higgins, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, was presented with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Higgins joined the College’s faculty 15 years ago, and has earned a reputation as an innovative and dedicated educator. A legal professional with a considerable amount of experience, he brings a wealth of expertise and valuable perspective to his work with students. Higgins is a lawyer admitted to the NYS Bar Association, and he continues to engage in professional development and conferences that allow him to maintain his law license. He engages with fellow educators and professionals in his field and stays up to date on relevant trends and articles that he uses to enhance his courses. President Cathleen McColgin said, “David is able to make effective connections with students and earn their trust and respect. He has an appealing sense of humor that puts students at ease and helps build trust and rapport with them.” Higgins serves as an advisor for the criminal justice club, in which capacity he has chaperoned field trips and assisted with club fundraisers and other special events. He is generous with his time and takes a serious interest in his students’ success and the profession of teaching at the community college level.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award program was created to publicly recognize and honor superior professional achievement by faculty and professional staff, and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. The award is designated for faculty and staff members who personify professional excellence and serve as role models not only for the State University of New York community, but for Herkimer County Community College as well.

“One of my themes for SUNY is individualized education, meaning the work we do to help our students navigate the programs and opportunities within our 64 campuses,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “Our faculty and staff educate, inspire, and support our students to pursue their passions; they are the driving force on campus. Those we honor today are leading this effort through their commitment to their craft and their dedication to our students. I am proud to celebrate and honor this year’s recipients Donald Dutcher, Director of Athletics, and David Higgins, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice.”

The award recipients were recognized at Herkimer College’s annual Employee Recognition Ceremony, and at Commencement where each was presented with a bronze medallion. A complete list of Herkimer College faculty and staff who have been honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is available at www.herkimer.edu/chancellor-awards.