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2026 Hudson Valley Community College Recipients of SUNY Chancellor’s Awards and President’s Awards Announced

Several members of the Hudson Valley Community College faculty and staff were honored with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, as well as Hudson Valley’s President’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching, during the college’s 42nd annual Faculty and Staff Honors Convocation on May 7.

Established in 1972 by the State University of New York, the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards recognize exceptional contributions to SUNY and the broader community by dedicated professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their work, scholarship and service. Since its inception, more than 200 Hudson Valley faculty and staff members have received this prestigious honor.

The college’s President’s Awards for Excellence were established in 1985 by then-President Joseph J. Bulmer to recognize exemplary contributions by faculty and staff.

“We are proud to recognize this year’s Chancellor’s Award and President’s Award winners for their exceptional contributions to the college,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Michael Brophy. “These honorees exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, leadership and service. Their talent and dedication to our students deserve to be commended, and we are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments.”

2026 Award Recipients SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

Excellence in Adjunct Teaching

• Mary Ann Gulyas, Adjunct Instructor, Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Digital Media
• Pamela Slattery, Adjunct Instructor, Nursing and Surgical Technology

Excellence in Classified Service

• Kathryn Agan, Program Assistant III, School of Health Sciences

Excellence in Faculty Service

• Kate Rodriguez, Associate Professor, Nursing and Surgical Technology

Excellence in Teaching

• Beth Kane, Professor, Computer Science and Mathematics

President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

• Danielle Blesi, Professor, Business and Criminal Justice
• Dr. Elizabeth Evans, Instructor, Dental Hygiene
• Erin Rennells, Associate Professor, Natural and Applied Sciences

Recipient Highlights

Mary Ann Gulyas, who has taught music history and appreciation at Hudson Valley for more than 20 years, is known for her student-centered teaching style and her ability to make music engaging, interactive and meaningful. In addition to her classroom instruction, she serves as conductor and advisor to the HVCC Pep Band and Voices of Valhalla Choir, helping foster a vibrant campus music community.

Pamela Slattery, an alumna of Hudson Valley who has taught nursing since 2013, is recognized for her passion for teaching, clinical expertise and commitment to preparing students for careers in health care. In addition to teaching both technical and critical thinking skills in clinical settings, she contributes to curriculum development, mentors new adjunct faculty and supports student success initiatives.

Kathryn Agan, who has been with Hudson Valley Community College since 2022, is recognized for her professionalism, collaboration and student-focused service. Known for her extensive knowledge of campus policies and procedures, she consistently supports students and colleagues through her responsiveness, leadership and dedication to the college community.

Beth Kane, an alumna of Hudson Valley who has taught math for nearly 30 years, is recognized for her innovative teaching style, commitment to student success and dedication to creating an inclusive learning environment. Beyond the classroom, she is an active leader through her service in the Academic Senate, committee work and support of student resources and initiatives.

Kate Rodriguez, who began teaching at the college in 2008, is recognized for her innovative teaching, leadership and commitment to student enrichment and community engagement. Through her work with the Niemond Zonders/Nursing Club, she has led numerous service initiatives, including fundraising efforts that have raised more than $60,000 for pediatric cancer research.

Danielle Blesi, who has taught business at the college since 2000, is recognized for her student-centered teaching and emphasis on real-world application, including stock market investing and internships at Disney. She has also helped develop academic programming, supported the New York State Business Plan Competition at Hudson Valley, and mentored students through the Entrepreneurs Club.

Elizabeth Evans, who has taught dental hygiene since 2004 while also practicing full time as a dentist, is recognized for her clinical expertise, high standards and compassionate, student-centered approach to teaching. She enhances instruction through new policies, procedures and technologies and is widely praised for her lasting impact on students’ confidence, professionalism and career success.

Erin Rennells, who has taught chemistry at Hudson Valley since 2012, is recognized for making complex subjects accessible and inspiring students through mentorship and encouragement. Her dedication to student success has helped countless students build confidence and discover a passion for science.