Nancy Macdonald Named SUNY Delhi's Dean of Applied Sciences and Building Technologies

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Nancy Macdonald, Dean of Applied Sciences and Building Technologies

DELHI, NY (06/13/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Delhi officials have announced that Nancy Macdonald has been named Dean of Applied Sciences and Building Technologies. She will oversee multiple academic programs that include Architectural Technology and Design Build; Automotive Technology; Cabinetmaking; Carpentry; Construction Technology and Management; Electrical Construction and Controls; HVAC; Integrated Energy Systems; Masonry; Mechatronics Design; Plumbing, Heating and Pipefitting; Refrigeration And Air Conditioning; and Welding Technology.

"Nancy brings to the position a unique blend of experience, programmatic knowledge and administrative ability," said SUNY Delhi Provost John Nader. "She has a longstanding commitment to advancing programs in our Technology Division and recruiting a wide array of students."

"I truly believe in our mission of preparing students for jobs, and teaching is my first love," said Macdonald. "Working in administration will be a big change, but I see it as a chance to empower the faculty and facilitate great things."

Macdonald is a pioneer in the advancement of women in the trades. She was the first woman hired by SUNY Delhi's technology division, joining the SUNY Delhi faculty in 1987. In1996, Macdonald went beyond the classroom, taking a leave of absence to serve as Tech Prep Coordinator for the South Central Tech Prep Consortium. This was an ideal opportunity for her to work with non-traditional high school students and explain to them the benefits of one and two-year technology degrees offered at Delhi. Returning to the classroom in the fall of 1998, Macdonald continued to excel and was promoted to the rank of professor in 2000.

Macdonald is the author of Woodworking, a comprehensive guide that is equally appealing to woodworking beginners and aspiring cabinetmakers. Macdonald's 800-page text features instructional full-color photos and illustrations and is now in its second edition. She developed the college's woodworking certificate that serves as a core option for second-year Carpentry majors. In recognition of her excellence in teaching, Macdonald was awarded the 2002 SUNY Chancellor's Award, the State University's most prestigious award. She also received the New York State Vanguard Award for promoting non-traditional degree options.

Macdonald holds a bachelor's degree in Individual Studies from Hartwick College, a M.A in Classical Languages and Literature from Yale University, and a M.S. in Vocational-Technical Education from SUNY Oswego. As an alumna of SUNY Delhi, she holds a certificate in Carpentry.

Macdonald is an avid hiker, completing the Appalachian Trail. She is a member of the Adirondack 46ers, an organization of hikers who have climbed all forty-six of the traditionally recognized High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, and a member of the Catskill Winter 35ers, an organization of hikers who have climbed all 35 Catskill High Peaks during the winter months.