SUNY Canton

« Back to Recent News

SUNY Canton Health and Fitness Promotion Major Earns Chancellor's Award

Canton, NY (04/28/2026) — A dedicated and hardworking SUNY Canton Health & Fitness Promotion major has earned a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence.

Natalie Baxter of Glens Falls is one of two graduating seniors from SUNY Canton to receive this award. She is earning a minor in Applied Psychology.

"Natalie exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence at SUNY Canton," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "Her dedication, empathy and remarkable work she has demonstrated during her education reflect the extraordinary potential she brings to her future."

During her college education, Baxter was a student-athlete for the women's lacrosse team, president of the Outdoor Adventure Club, an athletic training assistant, and a Special Olympics volunteer. She is currently a senior student ambassador for the Office of Admissions who helps prospective students as they begin their college journey. She is also a Presidential Intern lab assistant and an academic recovery mentor.

"Natalie is involved all over our campus in clubs and organizations," said Executive Director of Enrollment Melissa Evans. "She's also held consistent employment throughout her tenure as a student. Perhaps more importantly, she balanced all of this while maintaining an exemplary cumulative grade point average."

Associate Professor Janet Parcell, who works with Baxter closely in the Health and Fitness Promotion program, said that Baxter had set a high bar for other students to aspire to reach.

"Natalie has continuously been a steadfast role model regarding dedication, reliability, work ethic, work quality, responsibility, and has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities," said Associate Professor Janet Parcell, the lead faculty member in the Health & Fitness Promotion program. "She has always been an impressive student who consistently submits work that performs at the top of her cohort."

Parcell noted that Baxter was accepted into Clarkson University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program asan early admission, junior-level student, a full year before most students.

"SUNY students are New York's future, and the outstanding individuals I am proud to recognize with the Chancellor's Awards for Student Excellence embody the very best of our state university system," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. "The students who have earned this recognition have inspired their classmates, their educators, their campuses and me with their inspiring work, tenacious drive, and dedication to their academic success. I commend each of the awardees and thank them for being examples for others to follow."

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

Media Attachments

Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out