SUNY Canton Selects New Dean for its School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice

The largest of SUNY Canton’s three schools is welcoming Michele A. Snyder, Ph.D., as its new leader.

SUNY Canton Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Peggy A. De Cooke announced Snyder’s acceptance of the dean position within the School of Science Health and Criminal Justice.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Snyder to SUNY Canton’s administration,” De Cooke said. “She is an accomplished leader in higher education with extensive experience in curriculum development, assessment, recruitment and retention – which are all skills we place tremendous value upon here at the college.”

Snyder joined SUNY Canton on August 1 following a position as associate vice president and dean of STEM and health science at SUNY Broome Community College in Binghamton. She previously held administrative and faculty positions at Clinton Community College. She also has professional healthcare experience through a previous post at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh.

“I’m a biologist at heart,” Snyder said. “I think my biology background, my experience in health care, and my 20 years in higher education will all help me serve the diverse academic programs and faculty members in the School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice.”

Snyder’s most recent position at Broome Community College included posts with the academic leadership team. She represented science, technology, engineering, and math in the college’s shared governance committee and served on the Middle States Committee in preparation for an accreditation site visit. SUNY Canton is currently working on a similar accreditation review conducted by the same organization.

“I was attracted to the position at SUNY Canton because it will allow me the opportunity to grow professionally,” Snyder said. “I can also contribute to the growth within the school and help with enrollment. I really look forward to being part of the ongoing success of the college.”

During her time at Clinton Community College, Snyder established herself as an actively engaged faculty member within the college and the surrounding community. She taught biology and chemistry courses and engaged students in independent research projects. Her ability as an educator led her to receive the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. She also held the positions of associate dean of academic affairs and associate vice president for academic affairs.

“I really enjoy seeing faculty succeed, because that means we are well positioned for student success in our programs,” Snyder said. “As an administrator it is great to see educators’ creativity and ideas coalesce.”

The school she now oversees includes some of the college’s most popular programs, including two and four-year Nursing and Veterinary Technology. It also contains the thriving Center for Criminal Justice, Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

Snyder is a Plattsburgh-area native who enjoys being outdoors in the north country and running. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University at Albany and holds master’s degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh and SUNY Albany, in addition to her bachelor’s and associate degrees.