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 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching is:

William Snyder, of Morrisville, N.Y.



The 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.



“The Environmental Science Department has utilized Bill's vast knowledge for many levels of instruction,” Ray Cross, Morrisville State College president, said. “He has also provided outstanding campus leadership in faculty governance and as a member of various campus committees.”



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

David Symonds, of Hamilton, N.Y., a native of Dundee, N.Y.



The 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.



“Our campus is fortunate to have David,” Cross said. “He is a mentor, leader and expert in the field of disability services.”



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

Clair Wilbur, of Sherburne, N.Y.



The Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service recognizes outstanding job performance by a member of the classified staff whose professionalism, dedication and commitment have exceeded the normal definitions of excellence and who has made significant contributions to better the campus.



“Clair is a highly skilled master craftsman with a wide range of talents and well recognized across the campus for his innovativeness and service attitude,” Mike Nataluk, director of physical plant, said. “He continually demonstrates his full dedication and service to the college.”



Snyder, Symonds and Wilbur will be recognized during the college's 99th annual commencement ceremony which will be held May 15 at 1 p.m. in the John W. Stewart Center for Student Activities (STUAC) gymnasium.



Snyder, professor of fish and wildlife management and chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences, has worked at Morrisville State College for 17 years.



His campus leadership has included involvement in faculty governance while also serving on numerous campus committees including the campus safety committee and judicial board.



Throughout his career, Snyder has been instrumental in the growth of the college's programs, developing numerous courses and becoming involved in curriculum development.



A past recipient of the college's Student Government Organization (SGO) Outstanding Academic Advisor in the School of Agriculture Award, he founded the Morrisville Fish and Wildlife Society and serves as curator of the wildlife museum.



He is a member of the North American Native Fish Association and the American Fisheries Society parent and local chapters.



A well-known lecturer, Snyder provides presentations and workshops throughout Central New York. He has also published numerous works.



Snyder received a bachelor degree in fisheries management from Ohio State University and a master's degree in higher education from Ohio University.



Symonds, coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities/ADA and Section 504 compliance officer, has worked at Morrisville State College since 1996.



In his role, Symonds is responsible for accommodating more than 340 students with an array of physical, emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities at the Morrisville campus.



He is also coordinator of the college's Employee Assistance Program, has taught general education courses, and serves on numerous committees.



His dedication has earned him notable accolades including the Friend of Liberal Arts Award and a Service Award from the Admissions Office.



Past president of the New York State Disability Services Council, Symonds is also a member of the Association of Continuing Higher Education and is active in the community both on and off campus. He has served as a guest speaker and presenter in a number of state and regional conferences.



His credentials also include New York State Teacher Certification in Special Education: Kindergarten-Twelfth grade as well as New York State Teacher Certification in Education: Nursery-Sixth grade.



Symonds earned a master's degree in education from the State University of New York at Cortland, a bachelor degree in special education from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and an associate degree in early childhood education from the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill.



Wilbur has worked at the college for 21 years as a carpenter in the Physical Plant Department.



His initiative, leadership and creativity have earned him many accolades on campus.



A versatile and productive tradesman, Wilbur coordinates various trades on all campus setups including commencement, registration and orientation events.



His responsibilities also include campus signage and estimating completion dates and materials needed for campus projects, as well as maintaining inventory.