MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young presented 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence to three members of the College community during a ceremony held Monday, May 18, in the Gerry Forum of the Rowley Center on the College’s Middletown campus.

Young presented commemorative medals and certificates of achievement to math Professor Michelle Tubbs for Excellence in Faculty Service; Center for Teaching and Learning Director Dana Salkowsky for Excellence in Professional Service; and Building Service Worker Howard Moore for Excellence in Classified Service.

The Chancellor’s Awards represent the highest level of recognition conferred by the State University of New York system to members of the community college sector, and honor faculty and staff for consistently superior professional achievement and service.

A SUNY Orange alumna, Tubbs was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service for more than 25 years of exceptional service and leadership at SUNY Orange and throughout the SUNY system. After earning an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences with a concentration in mathematics and science from SUNY Orange, she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in business from University at Albany and a master’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in statistics from Montclair State University.

A past president of College Governance and longtime Faculty Council of Community Colleges delegate, Tubbs has played a significant role in institutional planning, governance and SUNY-wide policy discussions. Committee members cited her thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach and longstanding commitment to institutional improvement and shared governance.

Salkowsky received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service for her leadership, innovation and service to the College community. As director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Salkowsky has advanced faculty development initiatives, supported instructional innovation and guided faculty through evolving educational technologies, including artificial intelligence integration and learning management system transitions. The committee also recognized her contributions beyond her official role, including mentorship, student support and collegewide leadership initiatives. She earned a bachelor’s degree in literature and communication from Pace University and a master’s degree in organizational communication from Iona University.

Moore received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service in recognition of his exemplary performance, professionalism and sustained contributions to the College community. Colleagues praised Moore for his strong work ethic, creative problem-solving skills and willingness to go above and beyond to support students, faculty and staff members. The Professional Recognition and Awards Committee noted his reliability, initiative and commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming campus environment while consistently exceeding expectations in his facilities responsibilities.

“These award recipients exemplify the dedication, innovation and commitment to student success that define SUNY Orange,” Young said. “Their work strengthens our College community every day, and we are proud to see them recognized at the highest level across the SUNY system.”

The achievements of this year’s honorees reflect SUNY Orange’s ongoing commitment to student success, innovation and service to the community. That commitment also includes expanding access to higher education through initiatives like SUNY Reconnect, which offers free community college tuition for eligible adults ages 25 to 55 pursuing degrees in high-demand fields. Learn more at www.sunyorange.edu/suny_reconnect.

Caption

Three SUNY Orange employees were recently presented with State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence during end-of-academic-year ceremonies at the College. SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young presented the awards to, from left: math Professor Michelle Tubbs for Excellence in Faculty Service; Center for Teaching and Learning Director Dana Salkowsky for Excellence in Professional Service; and Building Service Worker Howard Moore for Excellence in Classified Service. Chancellor’s awards for excellence are the highest honors bestowed upon faculty and staff within SUNY’s community college sector.