Seven SUNY Oneonta faculty and staff members are among a select group of State University of New York professionals being recognized with 2026 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence and Distinguished Faculty Ranks.
These honors recognize consistently superior achievement and encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence across SUNY campuses.
This year’s recipients represent a wide range of impact—from teaching and scholarship to service and student support—demonstrating SUNY Oneonta’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.
The following employees will be recognized:
- Dr. Kristen Blinne, professor of communication studies – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities
- Dr. Andrew Bottomley, associate professor of media studies – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
- Dr. Matthew Hendley, professor of history – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
- Dr. Christine Storrie, associate professor of economics – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
- Donna Toombs, administrative assistant – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service
In addition, two faculty members have been awarded SUNY’s highest academic distinction:
- Dr. Gustavo Arango, professor of world languages and literatures – Distinguished Professor
- Dr. Brian D. Haley, professor of anthropology – Distinguished Professor
All honorees will be recognized during spring commencement ceremonies the weekend of May 15, in Dewar Arena at the Alumni Field House. Three SUNY Oneonta students receiving the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence will also be recognized.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities
Dr. Kristen C. Blinne is a professor of communication studies at SUNY Oneonta and an innovative, interdisciplinary scholar and educator whose work spans communication, thanatology and anthropology. She has produced a wide-ranging body of scholarship and creative work, including two books and numerous publications, along with sound art, meditations and ethnographies. Her research has received national recognition, including honors from the National Communication Association, where she is a leader in her field, co-founding the Activism and Social Justice Division, and serving on major editorial boards, focused on teaching and learning.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
Dr. Andrew Bottomley is an associate professor of media studies at SUNY Oneonta, where he has been a driving force in faculty service and student engagement. He has led key departmental initiatives, including helping to launch the Social Media minor and the OnNY Community Media Lab, while also playing an active role in university governance as a senator and committee leader. As faculty advisor to WONY 90.9 FM, he mentors students and oversees operations for the campus radio station. His service extends nationally through work with the SUNY Institute for Local News, the Library of Congress, and the Peabody Awards.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Matthew Hendley is a professor of history at SUNY Oneonta, where he has been a dedicated and impactful educator since 2001. He has taught a wide range of courses in British and British Imperial History and developed innovative offerings, including a Red Dragon First-Year Seminar on the history of Jamaica and Ireland and faculty-led programs in Hong Kong and China. Known for his rigorous yet supportive teaching style, he fosters student success through mentorship and high-impact learning experiences. His students have earned numerous writing awards and contributed to a book on SUNY Oneonta's COVID experiences. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Hendley’s work spans modern Britain, globalization and Hong Kong.
Dr. Christine Storrie is an associate professor of economics at SUNY Oneonta, where she has been a dedicated educator since 2016. She is known for making complex economic concepts accessible while maintaining academic rigor. Each fall, she leads students in the College Fed Challenge course, preparing them for national intercollegiate competition, with teams advancing to regional finals and semifinal appearances. A committed mentor, she has guided numerous student research projects, with students earning awards and presenting at conferences. She has also brought select student projects to publication as co-authored articles in academic journals. An active scholar, her research informs her teaching.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service
Donna Toombs is an administrative assistant in the Morris Conference Center at SUNY Oneonta, where she has been a trusted and essential team member for nine years. She manages all reservations and maintains detailed records that ensure events run smoothly and efficiently. Known for her exceptional customer service, Donna creates a welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students and guests through her professionalism and positive attitude. She consistently goes above and beyond, supporting major events, mentoring student employees and stepping in during critical needs. Donna exemplifies reliability, teamwork and a deep commitment to service that strengthens the campus community.
Distinguished Professors
Dr. Gustavo Arango is a professor of world languages and literatures at SUNY Oneonta and an internationally recognized scholar and author. He has written more than 30 books spanning literary criticism, fiction, translation and journalism. A leading authority on Gabriel García Márquez, his work contributed to the 2024 publication of the author’s posthumous novel Until August, a major literary achievement. His literary work has earned numerous international awards and honors. A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Arango inspires students through his teaching and creative work. He exemplifies excellence in scholarship, global impact and commitment to the academic community.
Dr. Brian D. Haley is a professor of anthropology at SUNY Oneonta and a nationally and internationally recognized scholar of ethnicity, identity and cultural authenticity. His pioneering scholarship on neo-Indigenism, ethnogenesis and cultural appropriation is widely cited and supports Indigenous communities. His most recent book, Hopis and the Counterculture, has earned significant praise for its impact on the field. A dedicated educator and mentor, he engages students in critical, evidence-based inquiry. Dr. Haley has also provided extensive leadership at SUNY Oneonta, including serving as department chair and in key governance roles, exemplifying excellence in scholarship, leadership and public engagement.