SUNY Canton College Council Honors Outstanding Employees and Community Member

The SUNY Canton College Council has recognized four employees for their superior performance and one community member for their service to the college and the region. They were honored at a college-wide ceremony in May.

Distinguished Faculty Award

The council selected Associate Professor Barat Wolfe, Ph.D., as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award, which recognizes effectiveness in teaching, scholarly ability, mastery of subject matter, university service and continued growth.

Wolfe is currently the chair of the Applied Psychology Department and has been actively involved in growing the program’s reputation and enrollments since starting her tenure in 2015.

Her dedication extends to the entire college, where she has served as the men’s hockey athletic liaison, Honors Program coordinator, Faculty Senate representative, Undergraduate Research Conference mentor and IRB chair. For her contributions, she received the 2019 President’s Meritorious Service Award.

In the area of scholarly work, Wolfe’s research portfolio is diverse and impactful, with a focus on trauma-informed health care and resilience.

“Perhaps, most importantly, students hold her in high regard because of her course rigor, creativity and relevance,” said College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill. “She invests in mentoring, and the student body has shown their appreciation by honoring her with the Northstar Award in 2021 and the Excellence in Student Life Award last year.”

Excellence in College Service Award

The council selected Executive Director of Financial Operations Amanda L. Crump and Associate Director of Career Services and Internships Kathryn L. Kennedy to receive the 2026 Excellence in College Service Award. It is given to non-teaching professional staff in recognition of excellence in performance, ability, university service, continued growth, as well as a mastery of specialization.

Amanda L. Crump

Crump has contributed to the College’s ongoing success through her leadership positions within the Administrative Affairs Division.

As Director of Operations for the One Hop Shop and College Accountant, she streamlined customer service protocols and advocated for personnel changes that improved student satisfaction and retention, and assisted with the transition to the Application of Payments Program, which improved financial reporting accuracy.

Most recently, Crump served as Interim Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, providing continuity and leadership to the division.

“In all of her roles, Amanda has upheld our college’s commitment to excellence in fiscal management,” said O’Neill. “She has served the college with distinction, and the council is pleased to recognize her with this award.”

Kathryn L. Kennedy

Since joining the Career Services Office in 2014, Kennedy has been a driving force behind transformative student outreach by blending career coaching with genuine care.

Her understanding of the level of support SUNY Canton students require has allowed the office to become a vital bridge between academic preparation and career success.

In the area of internships, she has led the development and implementation of SUNY funds so even more students can gain the employment skills needed to be successful after graduation.

“Katie’s commitment to SUNY Canton is hands-on, heartfelt and tireless,” said O’Neill. “She embodies the college’s motto, ‘Great Majors, Great Careers.’”

Employee Recognition Award

The council selected College Association Administrative Support Specialist Toni L. Besio as the recipient of the 2026 Employee Recognition Award, which is given to a member of the college’s classified staff in recognition of exceptional service through performance, participation and continued growth.

Besio has taken on a variety of roles and responsibilities in the College Association and has earned multiple promotions due to her work ethic, adaptability and institutional knowledge.

Colleagues note her willingness to go above and beyond for the campus community, providing the best service possible for faculty, staff and students.

“Toni’s kind and upbeat personality make her a valued colleague, and her dedication to elevating campus student life is most certainly worthy of this award,” said O’Neill.

Distinguished Citizen

The council’s Distinguished Citizen Award, which was first given in 1976 to recognize service to the college and the broader community, is in its 50th year.

Tom Graser, the recipient of the 2026 award, is the former editor of the St. Lawrence County Plaindealer and current St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce community and membership relations manager.

A cornerstone of local journalism for many years, he was dedicated to shining a light on the people, organizations, events and achievements of the area, strengthening community identity and civic engagement.

“He was there to help document the college’s evolution as we added new programs, established new partnerships, grew enrollment and built new infrastructure,” said O’Neill. “Now, as the spokesperson for the chamber, he is channeling years of journalism expertise and advocacy into a new role that continues to benefit our community.”