On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Farmingdale State College (FSC) President Robert S. Prezant, PhD, hosted the College’s 2026 Convocation in the Campus Center Ballroom. Attended by more than 350 campus community members, including members of FSC’s College Council, Alumni Association, and President’s Advisory Board, the annual ceremony marks the official start to the 2026-27 academic year.  

Throughout the morning presentation--which began by acknowledging 45 faculty and staff promotions, 27 new faculty members, and 67 new staff members--President Prezant highlighted FSC’s recent initiatives, challenges, and successes, recognized campus community scholarship and awards, and shared his presidential goals for the future. 

“Higher education has always faced challenges of all sorts dating back literally hundreds of years to the founding of the earliest institutions,” said President Prezant. “And in our current moment of time, we are facing some unique challenges that I don't think higher education has seen for a very long time, if ever… But I want to remind everybody who we are. We are Farmingdale, and we thrive on challenges. We are strong, and that strength is based on where we've come from, where we are today, and where we all plan to be tomorrow.” 

During the presentation, President Prezant also offered updates from multiple campus offices and departments as well as academic and curriculum updates which included the launch of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE), FSC’s new Master of Science degree program in Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs​, three new Bachelor of Science degree programs, an expanded, faculty-led Study Abroad Program, advancements in undergraduate research, and ongoing initiatives driving the State University of New York’s (SUNY) Academic Momentum Campaign across campus. 

Other highlights included FSC’s overall rise in institutional advancement, enrollment and retention, student success and advisement, community and corporate collaborations, scholarship and research, and infrastructure as well as newly unveiled Inspiring Leadership - President's Lecture Series events, two inspiring FSC video broadcasts, and a standing ovation for outgoing FSC College Council Chair Patricia Hill Williams, EdD, in honor of her 45 years of distinguished campus service. 

“With the many challenges facing higher education today, we've got our work cut out for us,” President Prezant concluded. “But we know there is no work more important, more rewarding than those associated with higher education. Whatever position, whatever role you play on our College campus, it is essential. Without these roles being fully taken on, pursued, and completed with excellence, we would be lacking, and our students would be lacking. So, I want to again thank all of you. I wish all of you a wonderful academic year.”  

Honors and Awards  

As a much-anticipated part of the event, President Prezant recognized multiple campus community accolades, including a campus-wide 2026 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, several faculty awards, staff and department industry awards, and multiple athletics conference championships and scholar-athletes. 

In addition, seven SUNY Chancellor Awards for Excellence winners were honored along with recent SUNY Distinguished Service Professor recipient Marjaneh “Marj” Issapour, MS EE, PE, professor of electrical and computer engineering technology.  

2026 SUNY Chancellor Awards for Excellence Winners: 

• Dr. Edward Plough, English & Humanities, Excellence in Teaching 
• Dr. Ilknur Aydin, Computer Systems, Excellence in Teaching 
• Dr. Jack Simonson, Physics, Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities 
• Dr. Michelle Miranda, Criminal Justice, Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities 
• Kathryn Machin, Library, Excellence in Librarianship 
• Linda Rennie, Physics, Excellence in Classified Service 
• Michelle Johnson, Institutional Advancement, Excellence in Professional Service 

President Prezant also acknowledged this year’s CARES (Commendation & Recognition for Excellence in Service) Award winners for their exemplary dedication to the campus community. 

2026 CARES Award Winners: 

• Eileen Kelly Merritt, Center for Criminal Justice Studies, Faculty Service 

“I first met Professor Kelly during my first semester, and from the beginning she stood out for her deep understanding of the criminal justice system, combined with a unique ability to incorporate psychological and meaningful insight into her teaching. Her approach fosters thoughtful, open-minded discussions and encourages students to critically engage with complex issues,” stated Merritt’s nomination. “What truly distinguishes Professor Kelly is her genuine care and commitment.”  

• Luis Llano, University Police, Classified Service 

“With more than 34 years of service…it would be impossible to itemize all Officer Llano’s contributions to our campus,” stated Llano’s nomination. “Perhaps, Luis’ friendly and engaging personality has been his biggest contribution. In fact, Luis’ unparalleled success with developing a rapport with members of the campus community has encouraged other officers to follow his example. The result has been a more accessible, effective police department and a positive overall experience for our students.”  

• Katie Brown, Administration + Finance, Professional Service 

“FSC has benefited from Katie’s talents, her commitment to doing an outstanding job, her humor, and her warm, generous nature in so many ways,” stated Brown’s nomination. “She welcomes each day with a smile and a willingness to do what is needed to support outstanding operations in furthering our mission on campus.”  

“These awards underscore a commitment of sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, providing the highest quality of instruction, and serving the public good,” said President Prezant. 

View more photos from Convocation 2026 on our Flickr Gallery. 

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