SUNY Orange President Honored by Faculty Council of Community Colleges

Dr. Kristine Young recognized for collaborative leadership and commitment to shared governance.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:04pm

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An out-of-focus, dreamlike scene of a community college campus, with blurred figures moving through pools of warm, hazy light, conceptually representing the collaborative and inclusive leadership style that earned Dr. Young this prestigious award.The FCCC's recognition of Dr. Young's collaborative leadership reflects the vital role community college presidents play in fostering an environment of trust, partnership, and innovation.Middletown Today

The Faculty Council of Community Colleges (FCCC) recently presented SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young with its 2026 FCCC Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her collaborative leadership and commitment to shared governance during her 11-year tenure at the college.

Why it matters

The FCCC Distinguished Service Award is a prestigious honor that highlights Dr. Young's positive impact on higher education, community colleges, and the lives of students through her work at SUNY Orange. Her recognition reflects the importance of strong, visionary leadership that empowers faculty and staff to work in partnership.

The details

The FCCC's Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals whose work has made a meaningful difference. In a letter announcing the award, FCCC President Candice Vacin praised Dr. Young's respect for faculty, commitment to shared governance, and belief that institutions are strongest when people work together in genuine partnership.

  • The FCCC presented the award to Dr. Young during its annual Spring Plenary at Westchester Community College in 2026.

The players

Dr. Kristine Young

The president of SUNY Orange, who has served in this role for 11 years and was recognized by the FCCC for her collaborative leadership and commitment to shared governance.

Candice Vacin

The president of the Faculty Council of Community Colleges (FCCC), the statewide faculty governance body for all 30 of SUNY's community colleges.

John B. King Jr.

The SUNY Chancellor who provided remarks at the awards dinner.

Ronalyn Wilson

Representing Valerie Dent, the SUNY vice chancellor for community colleges, who also spoke at the awards dinner.

Erika Hackman

The provost of SUNY Orange, who spoke at the awards dinner.

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What they’re saying

“What I find especially meaningful about this recognition is that it reflects not just what you have accomplished, but the way you have accomplished it. The nomination speaks so clearly to your respect for faculty, your commitment to shared governance, and your belief that institutions are strongest when people are brought together in thoughtful and genuine partnership. That kind of leadership matters. It creates trust, strengthens colleges, and makes it possible for good work to happen in ways that are both lasting and consequential.”

— Candice Vacin, FCCC President

“The award presentation was an emotional and genuinely memorable evening for me. I found the remarks from each of the speakers deeply moving and humbling, and I am very grateful to FCCC for considering me worthy of this wonderful recognition.”

— Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange President

The takeaway

Dr. Young's recognition by the FCCC highlights the importance of collaborative, visionary leadership in community college education. Her commitment to shared governance and empowering faculty and staff has strengthened SUNY Orange and serves as a model for other institutions seeking to elevate the contributions of their entire community.