Five Jefferson Employees Receive 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

Jefferson Community College (JCC) is pleased to announce that five members of the College’s faculty and staff were honored as recipients of the 2026 State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. The Chancellor’s Awards recognize extraordinary achievement and encourage the continuation of excellence.

Dawn Bartlett, Watertown, Associate Professor of Humanities, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Robert Cooper, Lowville, Adjunct Instructor of Lab Sciences, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. Katie J. Corbin, Chaumont, Coordinator of Advising, Career and Transfer Services, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Kathy J. Flanders, Clayton, Assistant Professor of Lab Sciences, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Cheryl Martin, Watertown, Secretary, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. Honorees were bestowed their medallions by President Daniel J. Dupee, II, at the College’s Recognition Celebration held on May 19, 2026.

Bartlett, a collaborative and forward-thinking leader, has served extensively on the College Senate, including its Executive Committee, Curriculum, Academic Standards, and Campus Life committees, as well as the Faculty Student Association Board. From 2019–2024, she served as the New Student Experience Coordinator for Jefferson’s Guided Pathways and Title III initiatives. In this role, she researched, developed, and secured approval for INT 111, the College’s first-year experience course, which was later incorporated into the graduation requirement policy. She also authored the course textbook, trained the inaugural cohort of instructors, and established an advisory board dedicated to assessing and strengthening the program’s effectiveness. Bartlett also co-chaired the development of Jefferson’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, presents regularly through the Center for Professional Excellence, and shares her work at SUNY and national conferences. This month, she completed her Doctor of Education degree from the University at Buffalo. 

For nearly 16 years, Cooper has served as an adjunct faculty member in Jefferson’s lab sciences department, primarily teaching chemistry while also providing instruction in biology. He has taught a wide range of lectures and laboratory courses in face-to-face, hybrid, and fully online formats. Cooper consistently tailors instruction to meet students at their academic level while upholding rigorous academic standards and continually refreshes course content through the integration of emerging technologies, digital classroom management tools, current scientific discoveries, and relevant events. Beyond the classroom, Cooper actively advances science education through his involvement in campus, high school visits, and local STEM initiatives. 

As former coordinator of JCC’s Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), Corbin stabilized and expanded the state-funded program during a period of transition and increased student participation by 82%. She authored the successful proposal that secured program funding for 2025–2030, ensuring the program’s continued growth and long-term sustainability. In August 2025, Corbin assumed her current role as Coordinator of Advising, Career, and Transfer Services where she has strengthened advising operations by co-chairing the advising workgroup, refining advisor training and academic warning materials, enhancing accessibility and branding efforts, and overseeing more than 20 web pages. She also leads career development programming that connects students with professional opportunities. In addition, Corbin chaired the 2025-2030 Strategic Planning workgroup and administered funding initiatives that removed barriers to experiential learning, awarding more than $30,000 in internship scholarships within the past year. 

Flanders demonstrates exceptional dedication to student success, teaching excellence, and institutional advancement through an extensive record of leadership, mentorship, and service. She currently serves on the College’s Curriculum Committee and previously contributed to the Standards Committee, collaborating with colleagues to strengthen curriculum quality and instructional effectiveness. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering academic rigor, expanding experiential learning opportunities, and strengthening connections between JCC and the broader community. She teaches microbiology, genetics, principles of biology, and human biology, inspiring the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals. Flanders cultivates engaging and intellectually challenging learning environments while supervising student honors projects and facilitating workshops and enrichment sessions. She regularly represents the College at campus open houses, career fairs, and outreach events hosted by local schools, helping promote educational opportunities and scientific exploration. 

As secretary to Jefferson’s facilities department, Martin anchors the daily operations that keep the campus functioning efficiently and cohesively. She orchestrates everything from large-scale institutional events to departmental gatherings with exceptional precision, ensuring each space is organized, welcoming, and fully prepared. Her ability to anticipate operational needs, manage competing priorities, and coordinate logistics seamlessly underscores both her organizational expertise and steadfast commitment to the College community. Martin executes each responsibility with professionalism, discretion, and a calm, solutions-driven approach. Her proactive mindset and meticulous attention to detail enable projects and events to unfold smoothly and efficiently, even under demanding circumstances. Equally significant is Martin’s ability to cultivate collaboration while engaging colleagues, students, and visitors with warmth, respect, and professionalism, fostering positive relationships. 

“Receiving a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is among the highest honors bestowed within the SUNY system and reflects the extraordinary talent, dedication, and impact of our faculty and staff,” said Daniel J. Dupee, II, President. “These five individuals exemplify the commitment to student success, innovation, and service that define SUNY Jefferson. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for the difference they make on our campus and throughout our community.”

Each year, the State University of New York recognizes outstanding members of the faculty and staff across the entire 64-campus university system with prestigious Chancellor's Awards for Excellence. Over the years, a total of 140 Awards for Excellence have been bestowed upon members of the Jefferson Community College faculty and staff.