UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is proud to announce that students Amna Khan and Joshua Slater have been named recipients of the prestigious 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. This honor is the highest bestowed upon students by the State University of New York (SUNY) system and celebrates those who have demonstrated remarkable achievements across multiple areas of their college careers.
“Amna and Joshua reflect the very best of SUNY Poly—students whose academic excellence, leadership, and service are matched by their resilience, curiosity, and commitment to making a difference,” said SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “Their accomplishments across research, athletics, and community engagement exemplify the impact our students can have both on campus and in the world.” “These outstanding students have distinguished themselves not only through their academic success, but through their leadership, service, and meaningful contributions to the campus
community,” said Brittany Morawiec, Dean of Students and Interim Vice President for Student Affairs. “We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and the example they set for their peers.”
Amna Khan:
Khan, a Biology major with minors in Chemistry and Medical Sociology, has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement while pursuing a rigorous STEM curriculum. She has been deeply engaged in research since her first year, with work spanning chemistry, behavioral ecology, and translational biomedical science. Her research has been presented at multiple conferences, including the SUNY Undergraduate Research Program and the American Physician-Scientists Association Northeast Regional Conference, and she is currently completing her senior thesis at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, focusing on molecular imaging relevant to human health.
A dedicated campus leader, Khan serves as President of the Muslim Student Association, where she has fostered a more inclusive campus environment while advocating for student needs. She is also Vice President of the Pre-Health Club and has played an active role in mentoring peers and supporting student wellness. Beyond campus, Khan has contributed extensively to community service through blood drives, STEM outreach, and volunteer work supporting refugees, immigrants, and patients in the Mohawk Valley.
Joshua Slater:
Slater, a Business Administration graduate and current MBA in Technology Management student, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and determination, completing his undergraduate degree in just three years while competing as a student-athlete. He has consistently earned Dean’s List recognition and is on track to complete his MBA in one year, balancing graduate coursework with athletics, leadership, and professional development.
A three-year captain of the men’s volleyball team, Slater has exemplified leadership, accountability, and teamwork, earning honors including the Walter Award for Leadership and Excellence and the Kevin Grimmer Award for Leadership and Excellence. He was also named Men’s Volleyball MVP in 2025 and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), advocating for the student- athlete experience. In addition, Slater is authoring a book about his experience living with a congenital heart condition, reflecting resilience and a commitment to inspiring others.
Established in 1997, the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for
“outstanding achievements that have demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence within many aspects of their lives in areas such as academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, or the arts.”
A selection committee established by each SUNY campus, with the concurrence of the campus president, reviews the accomplishments of top-performing candidates. Nominees are forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office for a second round of review, and finalists are recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award. Recipients of this prestigious award from across the SUNY System attended an awards ceremony in Albany on April 27.
About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly):
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N.Y., is a vibrant and inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education and dynamic campus experience. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and beyond. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters innovation and interdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research and transformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, and humanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities. For more info, visit http://www.sunypoly.edu.
