SUNY Delhi Faculty and Staff Receive Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

05/28/2025 — SUNY Delhi is proud to announce that six members of its faculty and staff have been recognized with the prestigious 2024-2025 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. Bestowed annually by the State University of New York, these system-wide honors acknowledge outstanding professional achievement and encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. The recipients embody SUNY Delhi’s mission of student-centered, high-impact education and demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and service across the college community.

Dr. Jason Cash received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities in recognition of his exceptional scholarly contributions in the fields of literature and video game studies. A respected member of the international game studies community, Dr. Cash has built a distinguished record of research and publication, with work that explores social justice, equity, and representation in both traditional and emerging media. His book, “The World of Final Fantasy,” has received praise as a foundational text, offering culturally nuanced analysis of Japanese game narratives and their global reach. Through his research, Dr. Cash brings to light the broader social and political implications of discourse within video games and their online communities. His innovative scholarship not only advances academic understanding but also creates dynamic, relevant learning experiences for students.

Ruth Ehrets was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service for her unwavering dedication, integrity, and outstanding contributions to SUNY Delhi and the broader SUNY system. Known as a trusted and solution-oriented professional, Ehrets consistently goes above and beyond her formal responsibilities as Human Resources Director to support the campus community. Whether tackling large-scale institutional challenges or helping individual colleagues, she approaches every task with patience, accuracy, and a commitment to excellence. Her leadership has streamlined operations, enhanced compliance, and improved the employee experience through engaging workshops and thoughtful process improvements. A SHRM-certified professional, Ehrets actively pursues professional development and serves as a valued resource for peers across SUNY.

Penny Decker received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service for her outstanding commitment and leadership in maintaining a safe, welcoming environment at SUNY Delhi. As the sole janitor for one of the largest buildings on campus, Decker upholds exceptional standards of cleanliness, organization, and service. Beyond her daily responsibilities, she plays a vital role in training new custodial staff, sharing her expertise to ensure consistent campus-wide cleanliness and safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her meticulous attention to sanitation protocols helped protect the well-being of the campus community. Known for her flexibility, approachability, and proactive spirit as well as the pride she takes in her work, she regularly supports other departments, contributes to major campus events, and identifies safety improvements.

Ashley Scobie was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching for her remarkable contributions to SUNY Delhi’s Nursing program. A proud alumna with both BSN and MSN degrees from SUNY Delhi, Scobie brings a powerful blend of academic insight and real-world expertise to her clinical instruction. In addition to her teaching role, she serves as a registered nurse and education coordinator at O’Connor Hospital, allowing her to connect students with current best practices and the realities of bedside care. Known for her compassion, integrity, and student-first mindset, Scobie is a tireless advocate for learners, especially those who face challenges. Her constructivist approach fosters critical thinking and confidence, preparing students to deliver safe, effective care to patients. Her dual roles enrich SUNY Delhi’s nursing education and inspire the next generation of nurses.

Associate Professor Marc Evans received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service in recognition of his leadership and sustained contributions to campus-wide academic assessment at SUNY Delhi. A dedicated mathematics faculty member, Evans has gone far beyond the classroom and played a transformative role in revitalizing institutional assessment processes essential to SUNY Delhi’s accreditation and academic quality. Since joining the Assessment Committee in 2017 and later assuming the role of Chair, he has led the development of user-friendly systems, created campus-wide rubrics, facilitated workshops, and supported departments with individualized guidance. His leadership has helped foster a collaborative culture of data-driven improvement and transparency across the college. Thanks to his initiative and tireless service, SUNY Delhi’s assessment practices are now recognized as a strength, contributing to a successful Middle States Commission review.

Professor Michael Tweed was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of his innovative instruction, mentorship, and dedication to student success in the field of architecture. Known for blending technological fluency with compassionate guidance, Tweed inspires students to think critically, engage creatively, and strive for excellence. He complements his teaching with custom-made video tutorials, hands-on learning, field trips, and peer competitions that promote progress and mastery. Students consistently praise his holistic approach and personal investment in their development through one-on-one feedback and attention. In addition to classroom excellence, Tweed plays a central role in curriculum design and program development for Delhi’s architecture and sustainability degrees, while also pursuing his Ph.D. and earning national recognition for his architectural renderings and illustrations.

The Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence are conferred to faculty and staff across SUNY’s 64 campuses. Recipients must demonstrate a sustained record of excellence and meet rigorous criteria reflective of their respective categories. SUNY Delhi congratulates this year’s honorees and celebrates their remarkable contributions to student learning, campus leadership, and institutional success.