SUNY Honors Three SUNY Canton Employees with Chancellor’s Awards

Three SUNY Canton employees have been selected to receive the 2023-2024 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

These annual honors acknowledge consistently superior professional achievement in several categories, and they are awarded to employees throughout SUNY’s 64 institutions. Campuses submit nominations that are approved by the SUNY Committee on Awards.

This year, Associate Director of Admissions Chelsea E. Chase received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service; Plant Utilities Engineer Tod Flanagan received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service; and Associate Professor Dr. Janet L. Parcell received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. All were recognized at the college’s Faculty and Community Awards Ceremony in May.

Chelsea E. Chase

Chase began her career at the college in 2007 as an admissions counselor and received several promotions before being appointed to her current position as associate director in 2016. She was nominated for her leadership skills, ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with on and off-campus colleagues, and her standing as a prominent college ambassador.

Chase’s professional service includes membership on many committees that work to improve the student experience. Her institutional knowledge is highly sought after, and she provides sound guidance and advice to her colleagues so they are able to make informed decisions.

Nominators praised her leadership skills and work ethic, noting her willingness to go above and beyond for prospective students and their families. Her commitment to providing excellent customer service reflects the college’s mission as a student-centric institution.

Tod Flanagan

Flanagan has been a member of the Physical Plant’s staff for nearly 30 years. As a senior  employee in the HVAC and Plumbing Department, he was nominated for his 

commitment to ensuring a comfortable environment for on-campus students.

Colleagues commended his professionalism and expertise, noting his ability to fix nearly every problem he encounters. He ensures the heating, air conditioning, and exhaust systems are working correctly, so students have the best indoor climate possible for living and learning.

Flanagan has made it a priority to train junior employees with the goal of building a strong team who have the same level of knowledge about the campus’ inner workings as he does.

Janet L. Parcell, DPT

Dr. Parcell is an associate professor in the Health and Fitness Promotion program. She joined the college in 2012 and served as adjunct instructor, lecturer and assistant professor before being promoted to her current position in 2018.

She was nominated for her role as a valued faculty member who has made significant contributions to SUNY Canton and the health and fitness industry. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a Certified Athletic Trainer, she is committed to providing the applied-learning experience that the college is known for through field trips, hands-on testing, and project-based coursework.

She has authored and co-authored research that has benefitted her field, and she has served as a medical provider to both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. A previous Stellar Advisor Award recipient, Parcell also received the 2016 President’s Meritorious Service Award.