SUNY Oswego was recently named among the “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA)-College Student Educators International in partnership with Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.
Oswego was among 27 higher education institutions recognized with the honor, which focuses on workplace diversity, staffing practices and work environment. ACPA and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education uses a web-based survey approach to examine categories such as family friendliness, salary/benefits and professional development opportunities, among others.
“Since her arrival in 2021, Vice President for Student Affairs Kathleen G. Kerr has developed a diverse and cohesive Student Affairs team at SUNY Oswego that cultivates caring and inclusive communities," said SUNY Oswego Officer in Charge Mary C. Toale.
"With decades of leadership in student affairs and a genuine commitment to workplace diversity, Dr. Kerr has led the division’s efforts to re-envision a collaborative, holistic approach to student development and success, while continuing to enhance a campus culture of caring,” Toale noted. “She and her team have created a more prideful, purposeful work environment that has enhanced student learning, growth, belonging and well-being –- all so our students thrive while enrolled at SUNY Oswego and continue on a path of success long after they graduate.”
“I am thrilled that SUNY Oswego has received this recognition,” Kerr said. “It is certainly well-deserved.”
Focus on student success
Kerr recalled that, when accepting the offer for the vice president position from then-President Deborah F. Stanley, “it was because I believed this to be a place squarely focused on collaborative efforts to achieve student success. That has been my reality for the last 18 months.”
Kerr has been impressed with the dedication to student success throughout the institution.
“Staff members within the Division of Student Affairs have demonstrated daily their steadfast commitment to students, each other, and to campus and community partnerships,” Kerr noted. “It is an honor to work at an institution with colleagues who care so deeply for their work and recognize the transformative power education can have on the lives of the individuals who join us on campus for four, five or six years.”
The honor just underscores a campus-wide commitment to putting students first, Kerr added.
“While this recognition acknowledges publicly that this is a ‘promising place to work,’ it has long been true because of the promises this community makes and keeps to its students,” Kerr said. “I hope my leadership can continue to advance that work within the Division of Student Affairs.”