Three Empire State University Employees Receive SUNY Chancellor’s Award 

Three Empire State University employees have been selected as recipients of this year’s SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. The awards celebrate superior professional achievements of employees across the SUNY system and are divided into five categories: Faculty Service, Librarianship, Professional Service, Scholarship and Creative Activities, and Teaching. Dongho Kim was recognized for Faculty Service, and Qu’ran Bell and Pamela Enser were recognized for Professional Service.  

“Congratulations to our incredible faculty and staff who earned SUNY Chancellor’s Awards this year,” said President Lisa Vollendorf. “The care, expertise, and leadership they bring to Empire State University each day helps us deliver on our mission of access and opportunity for all learners.” 

Ahead, this year’s honorees share in their own words what winning this award means to them. 

Meet the Honorees: 

Qu’ran Bell, director of Student Support 

“Winning the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service is incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. As a SUNY Empire alumna, this university has played a major role in shaping who I am. To now be recognized by SUNY for the work I’ve been able to contribute back to this community feels very full circle. 

I care deeply about the student experience at SUNY Empire because I was once a student here myself. Receiving this award is an incredible honor, and I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to do work that matters to me alongside people who care deeply about students and this community.” 

Pamela Enser, university registrar 

“It is truly an honor to be nominated by my colleagues, regardless of the outcome. Receiving this award is especially meaningful because it reflects the support and recognition of the people I work alongside every day. 

As registrars, we often work in a world defined by policies, regulations, and limitations, and it can sometimes feel like our role is centered around saying ‘no.’ Throughout my career I have tried to challenge that mindset by focusing on how we can remove barriers and create pathways for students to succeed. I believe strongly in collaboration, problem-solving, and finding the way to ‘yes’ whenever possible while still maintaining the integrity of our work. It is incredibly reaffirming to know that this approach has resonated not only with students and colleagues across SUNY, but also with the peers who nominated me for this recognition.” 

Dongho Kim, professor and chair of the business, international business, and marketing department 

“I am truly honored by this recognition, which I view more as a tribute to the collaborative environment at SUNY Empire than a personal achievement. Any progress I’ve contributed to is the result of working alongside dedicated colleagues who give just as much to our institution. I feel very lucky to be part of a team that works so tirelessly to move our community forward.”