Dedicated SUNY Canton Student Advocates Receive Chancellor’s Awards

Two employees have been recognized for outstanding administrative skills and for improving the overall student experience at SUNY Canton.

Renee L. Campbell, assistant to the provost, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service and Kellie S. Harris, administrative assistant 2 in the School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

Campbell began her career at SUNY Canton almost 20 years ago as an agency service representative in the Student Service Center. She has also been an administrative assistant for the School of Business and Liberal Arts. She is noted for applying a customer-driven philosophy to all of her positions.

“Renee has an incredible depth of knowledge about the college, and she is completely committed to student success” said SUNY Canton Provost Peggy A. De Cooke. “She ensures our students feel welcome, cared for and supported. She is an invaluable member of my leadership team, and it is truly a pleasure working with her.”

In addition to her extensive committee service, she has volunteered at important campus initiatives, including employee and student COVID testing. Campbell is the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Excellence in Customer Service Award, the Employee Recognition Award, and the President’s Meritorious Service Award. She resides in Chase Mills with her husband, Tim. She has a son, Drew, three stepchildren, Matthew, Katelyn, Kristen and son-in-law John, and two grandchildren, Isla and Graham.

Harris has provided outstanding support to the school’s students and faculty, particularly during the past year while working remotely. Problem-solving and the ability to handle difficult situations with ease are among her most admired traits.

“The faculty from the school all know they can ask Kellie for help at any time, for any reason, and she will happily do everything possible to assist them,” said Kenneth Erickson, professor and former dean of the School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice. “Students who interact with her quickly learn that as well.”

She has been applauded for her ability to evaluate transfer credits for prospective students in a prompt and accurate manner. “She checks, then double checks, to make sure every student gets the most credit possible,” Erickson said.

Harris previously received a golden apple award from the Phi Theta Kappa honor society in recognition for her commitment to student success. She lives near Heuvelton with her husband, Stan, and children, Marena and Ryan.

The Chancellor's Awards for Excellence are SUNY System-level honors conferred to acknowledge and provide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. The career-defining achievement is denoted by a special medal which is worn with academic regalia at formal college events.