Empire State University recognized by SUNY for promoting student success

Empire State University.
Empire State University.
Posted On: July 31, 2024

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – JULY 31, 2024) Empire State University has been recognized with two awards from the State University of New York. Both awards acknowledge the efforts by SUNY Empire staff to support students and their academic success through programs and individual support.

Daniel McCrea.

The SUNY Council of Senior Student Affairs Officers (CSSAO) selected Empire State University’s JumpStart as the winner of the 2024 Outstanding Program Award. The JumpStart program welcomes students to SUNY Empire and helps prepare them for a successful semester. It provides a way for faculty and staff to engage with students and help address any stress or concerns related to the upcoming semester.

“I was very happy and gratified to win the award,” Daniel McCrea, director of academic support, said. “It is so nice to be recognized for the work we do. JumpStart is a very collaborative event, the team presents over 17 workshops involving 12 offices at the university, and it is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of our group to be recognized by this award.”

In addition to winning this award, McCrea is invited to present this program at the annual conference of the College Student Personnel Association (CSPA) of New York in October.

Qu’ran Bell ’21, ’23.

Qu’ran Bell ’21, ’23, assistant director of student support, was also recognized with the 2024 Dr. Bob Bonfiglio New Professional Award. The award recognizes new professionals making a profound impact on student affairs and SUNY institutions. Award winners must have served in their role for less than four years and show excellence in integrity, inclusion, innovation, inquiry, and impact.

“I was absolutely shocked to find out I won this award,” Bell said. “It is a blessing to work for an institution that really ‘sees me’ and supports my skills, talents, and professional development. To be recognized by SUNY gives me the extra motivation to keep being me and doing what I love to do here at SUNY Empire.”

The awards are a testament to SUNY Empire’s continued efforts to promote student success and provide an affordable and accessible education as SUNY’s leading online university.