MVCC faculty, staff recognized with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence
This spring, several Mohawk Valley Community College faculty and staff members received the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, prestigious system-wide recognition of consistently exceptional professional achievement.
Erica Brindisi, Professor in MVCC’s School of STEM Transfer, received the Excellence in Faculty Service Award. Since joining MVCC in 2013, Brindisi has been a dedicated member of the College community, distinguished by exceptional service, leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. As a member of the Biology faculty, she supports student learning beyond the classroom through initiatives such as MVCC’s Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) faculty group, the Girls in STEM Expo, and K-12 partnerships as a Dual Credit liaison. Her college-wide service includes past leadership as Chair of the College-Wide Curriculum Committee and her current role as Co-chair of the Middle States Standard V Workgroup. She also contributes to faculty governance and has led the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence process for several years.
Gary Kulis, Professor in MVCC’s School of STEM Transfer, received the Excellence in Teaching Award. With more than three decades of service to MVCC, Kulis has exemplified excellence, innovation, and unwavering support for students in mathematics. Teaching courses ranging from developmental mathematics to Calculus and Differential Equations, he continually adapts instruction to meet diverse student needs, blending rigorous content with real-world applications that make abstract concepts meaningful. Known for cultivating a supportive and engaging classroom environment, Kulis fosters critical thinking, confidence, and persistence among his students. Beyond the classroom, he has made significant contributions to curriculum development, professional learning, and academic program review, while generously sharing expertise with his colleagues.
Ross Wittenberg, Assistant Professor in MVCC’s School of Business and Hospitality, received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Wittenberg joined MVCC in 2019 and has built a reputation for creative, student-centered learning. Teaching across business, accounting, and computer applications, he blends clear instruction with real-world applications that make learning relevant and accessible. He led the integration of the QuickBooks Certified User Exam into the College’s Accounting program, providing students with valuable, industry-recognized credentials. Wittenberg’s dynamic teaching style incorporates technology, interactive lessons, and guest speakers to create learning environments that are both rigorous and supportive. His impact extends beyond the classroom through service on the College Senate, his current role as co-chair of the MVCC’s Middle States Self Study, and other institutional initiatives, reflecting the trust and respect he has earned across the College.
Tania Bader, Assistant to the Vice President for Administrative Services, received the Excellence in Classified Service Award. For 27 years, Bader has served the MVCC community with professionalism, consistency, and a commitment to the College’s daily operations. A welcoming and trusted presence, she builds strong working relationships while ensuring clear communication and seamless coordination across departments. Bader approaches her work with creativity, initiative, and a solution-focused mindset, consistently streamlining processes and addressing administrative challenges with care and precision. She also enriches the College culture through her leadership in coordinating professional development activities for the Administrative Services division and her active involvement with the Days of Service Workgroup.
Ron Jones, a Technical Assistant for MVCC’s School of Art, received the Excellence in Professional Service Award. Since 2017, Jones has brought dedication, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to his work supporting students and faculty. An MVCC alum himself, Jones ensures the smooth operation of art labs by managing supplies, maintaining equipment, troubleshooting technology, and developing inventive solutions that minimize disruption to instruction. Jones plays a central role in celebrating student work, leading the curation and installation of art displays across campus and expanding opportunities for student recognition. He also supports exhibitions, student competitions,
outreach events, and departmental initiatives while serving as a mentor to colleagues and student workers.
Erica Kennard, Residence Life Associate within the Office of Student Life, received the Excellence in Professional Service Award. Since 2018, Kennard has provided consistent, student-centered support while serving as a vital connection point for Residence Hall students. As the primary contact throughout the housing process, she collaborates with offices across campus to help students navigate enrollment, scheduling, financial concerns, and everyday challenges.
Kennard is recognized for her proactive outreach, meaningful student relationships, and creative problem-solving — including initiatives that enhance the residential experience and build community on campus. Her service extends beyond Student Life through committee involvement, leadership with the LGBTQ+ Workgroup, campus safety efforts, and support of major admissions and student engagement events.
The SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence are System-level honors conferred to acknowledge and provide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. These programs underscore SUNY’s commitment to sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, providing the highest quality of instruction, and serving the public good. Through these awards, SUNY publicly proclaims its pride in the accomplishment and personal dedication of its instructional faculty, librarians, and professional staff across its campuses.
For more information on MVCC and its programs, visit www.mvcc.edu.
-www.mvcc.edu-
