Five 海角论坛 faculty and staff members are among a select group of State University of New York professionals being honored with the 2025 Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence.
Director of ITS Systems and Solutions Deb McClenon and Manager of Mail, Receiving, and Supply Katherine Nelligan are receiving the SUNY Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Professional Service; Associate Professor of Biology Elizabeth Bastiaans is receiving the SUNY Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Teaching; Associate Professor of English Sheena Mason is receiving the SUNY Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities; and Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Sawyer is receiving the SUNY Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Classified Service.
Oneonta鈥檚 recipients will be honored during spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 17, in the Dewar Arena at the Alumni Field House. The three 海角论坛 students who received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence this year will also be recognized.
Learn more about our 2025 Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence employee recipients:
Excellence in Professional Service
Deb McClenon is Director of ITS Systems and Solutions at 海角论坛, leading key digital initiatives. With experience across SUNY and the private sector, she oversees campus IT infrastructure and cloud solutions that enhance efficiency, security and collaboration. Deb leads the Solutions and Systems Teams, driving high-profile projects like the myOneonta Portal, Microsoft 365 deployment and Campus Intranet. A longstanding SUNY Computing Officers Association Executive Council member, she fosters system-wide innovation through mentoring and professional development, coordinating COA Collaboration groups. Deb鈥檚 work, including contributions to SUNY-wide initiatives, has earned her the 2024 SUNY CCIO Team Collaboration Award and 2023 Bette Frisino Award.
Excellence in Professional Service
Katherine Nelligan is the Manager of Mail, Receiving, and Supply at 海角论坛, where she has been an indispensable asset for 11 years. She oversees all mail distribution, package receiving and supply chain management, processing more than 85,000 packages annually. Katherine developed the Dragon Express system, which has streamlined campus mail services and saved the university significant costs. She鈥檚 an active leader in national mail services organizations, enhancing best practices in higher education. A dedicated mentor to students, champion of mental health and wellness, and involved community member, Katherine exemplifies professionalism, innovation and service to others.
Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Elizabeth Bastiaans is a dedicated evolutionary biologist and professor known for innovative teaching and student mentorship. Since 2015, she has taught 13 distinct courses, including two new offerings, and integrates research-based learning and interactive methods to foster critical thinking. She has mentored more than 40 undergraduate and graduate research projects, many resulting in conference presentations. An accomplished scholar with 28 peer-reviewed publications, she weaves her research into dynamic coursework. Dr. Bastiaans collaborates with students on salamander research through SPARCnet and contributes to QUBES, a platform for peer-reviewed biology lessons. She champions conservation, collaboration, STEM education and inclusive, hands-on learning.
Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities
Dr. Sheena Mason is a distinguished scholar in race theory and literary studies whose groundbreaking work has earned international recognition. Author of 鈥淭he Raceless Antiracist鈥 (2024) and 鈥淭heory of Racelessness鈥 (2022), she argues that ending belief in 鈥渞ace鈥 and racialization is essential to eliminating the causes and effects of racialized dehumanization. Dr. Mason鈥檚 scholarship reshapes critical conversations in the social sciences and antiracist work. Her influence spans organizations like Uber, the Bah谩鈥櫭璼 of the U.S., and Volunteers of America, leading to global speaking invitations, publications, fellowships and honors, including Scholar of the Year and early promotion to associate professor.
Excellence in Classified Service
Jeremy Sawyer is the Maintenance Supervisor at 海角论坛, known for his leadership and technical expertise in HVAC and heating systems. During his tenure, he has overseen the Heating Plant, improved efficiency and introduced sustainable technologies. He also oversees the plumbing department. Jeremy鈥檚 leadership was pivotal in major projects like the rehabilitation of Alumni Hall and in developing preventative maintenance protocols. A solution-oriented leader, he fosters a collaborative work environment and excels in navigating challenges. Jeremy鈥檚 proactive approach to customer service ensures a comfortable campus, making him an invaluable member of the team. He recently placed seventh in the state on Maintenance Supervisor 2 testing.
