Morrisville State College Faculty/Staff Members Honored by SUNY Chancellor

Three Morrisville State College faculty/staff members were recently honored by the State University of New York and SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.



Receiving the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching is:

Alfred P. Muss II, of Fayetteville, N.Y.



The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes professors who show outstanding skill in the classroom, scholarship and professional growth, commitment to students and high academic standards.



Receiving the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service is:

Jeriluanne “Jeri” O'Bryan-Losee, of Sherburne, N.Y., a native of Corning, N.Y.



The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service recognizes outstanding job performance by professional staff in administrative positions and those who have transcended the normal definitions of excellence.



Receiving the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service is:

Dan Jackson, of Norwich, N.Y., a native of Cobleskill, N.Y.



The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service recognizes employees who have consistently demonstrated superlative performance within and beyond their position.



O'Bryan, Muss and Jackson will be recognized during the college's 100th annual commencement ceremony which will be held May 14 at 1 p.m. in the new athletic stadium.



Muss, associate professor of Business Administration, has worked at Morrisville State College since 2001.



A member of the college judicial board since 2002, and one of its chairs since 2007, he is also vice speaker of faculty congress. He has served on numerous committees and boards and has been involved with campus entrepreneurial organizations including the Morrisville State College Entrepreneurial Institute (MSCEI) which provides entrepreneurial education for students through collaboration with local business professionals, and served as co-advisor of Students in the Free Enterprise (SIFE), a student club that perpetuates principles of free markets.



“Al's sincere passion for learning, genuine interest in the well-being of all of his students and his ability to immerse his students in an innovative learning environment make him stand out as an effective teacher and an outstanding member of our faculty,” Richard Carreno, Morrisville State College interim president, said.



Throughout his career, Muss has been a driving force for continuous improvement in his department. He has also been instrumental in the growth of the college's programs, developing numerous courses and becoming involved in curriculum development that led to several new bachelor degrees including entrepreneurship and small business management.



Muss's classroom effectiveness and dedication have earned him notable accolades from students including the Student Government Organization (SGO) Advisor Award in the School of Business in 2003, 2006, and 2007. Certified as a Senior Professional of Human Resources through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), Muss is also a guest lecturer on human resources topics in various classes.



He is also a past participant in “The Experiential Classroom” program at Syracuse University, a program which is part of the Lifelong Learning for Entrepreneurship Education Professionals (LLEEP) partnership to explore the future of entrepreneurship education and address the growing need for high-quality teachers in the field.



Prior to working at Morrisville State College, Muss worked in human resources for 10 years at WBNG- TV in Binghamton, N.Y., and at CAE Electronics and Deposit Telephone Company.



Muss earned a bachelor's degree in management with a concentration in human resources and a master of business administration degree in human resource management, both from Binghamton University, and an associate's degree in business administration from Broome Community College.



O'Bryan, coordinator of academic support services at the Norwich campus and an adjunct professor, has worked at Morrisville State College since 1998.



During that time she has served on various committees at both the Norwich and Morrisville campuses and also served as a representative of faculty congress.



“Jeri takes great pride in serving students at the Norwich campus,” Carreno, said. “She is always evaluating, assessing and looking for new ways to improve the college, help the community and assist others. Her service to the broader Morrisville and Norwich communities reflects the high standards and goals identified in this award.”



Her dedication to the campus and community is portrayed in numerous community events she's spearheaded at the Norwich campus including food drives, a dress for success drive for disadvantaged women and an annual event to send troop care packages to soldiers overseas.



The AmeriCorps Tutoring Program for the Norwich campus and the Kindergarten-to-College Workshop Series were established under her leadership, and she was instrumental in developing the at-risk and conditional semester programs and the Norwich campus developmental semester program.



An avid volunteer in her community, O'Bryan participates in the Norwich Relay For Life, has volunteered with the United Way and is an advocate for people with disabilities. She also participated in this year's St. Baldrick's event, in Norwich, N.Y., shaving her head to benefit children's cancer research and awareness.



Additionally, she serves on the advisory board for Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County, is treasurer for the Chenango County Interagency Council, and is a member of the statewide Disability Service Council, the National Academic Advisors Association, and the National Association of Learning Centers.



O'Bryan earned a master's degree in adult education and a master's degree in general education from Elmira College, a master's degree in social science and a bachelor degree in human development, both from Binghamton University, and associate degrees from Corning Community College and Morrisville State College.



Jackson, a motor equipment mechanic in the Physical Plant Department, has worked at Morrisville State College 14 years.



Revered for his knowledge and expertise in various areas, Jackson is responsible for maintaining and repairing the college's fleet of vehicles and assisting with purchasing new vehicles. He also assists with maintaining and repairing generators in buildings, on tractors, and farm and miscellaneous equipment.



His diverse knowledge and resourcefulness fixing vehicles and equipment have earned him many accolades on campus.



“Dan's skills and extensive service to the campus and his outstanding resourcefulness are among the reasons why he is such a valuable employee,” said Matt Buell, head supervisor of grounds.



Prior to working at Morrisville State College, Jackson owned Automotive Machine Works in Cobleskill, N.Y.