Grace Maxon-Clarke of the Dean of Students Office and Jacqueline (Jackie) Wallace of Career Services recently earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service for their long-running dedication to supporting SUNY Oswego students.
Nominators described Maxon-Clarke –- the associate dean of students -– and Wallace –- associate director for career education and career coach for Oswego’s exploratory and undeclared community –- as exemplary professionals who care about student success, equity and the Oswego campus and greater community.
Prioritizing student success and well-being
Maxon-Clarke is a home-grown success story. An Oswego native descended from legendary athletics administrator Max Ziel, Maxon-Clarke earned her undergraduate degree in public justice and master’s in mental health counseling from SUNY Oswego. Along the way, she continued earning increasing responsibilities, from starting as a secretary to becoming a counselor for the Educational Opportunity Program to working for the dean of students while earning the admiration and respect of hundreds of students.
Maxon-Clarke currently oversees basic needs services and programs, including the Students Helping Oz Peers (SHOP) pantry, the Student Emergency Fund and support resources for homeless students.
In supporting Maxon-Clarke for the award, graduate student Michael-Daniel Vodzogbe described her as “a prime example of someone who prioritizes service to students and the community she works with” and who constantly “expresses her passion for student success … She has helped countless students, from various and challenging backgrounds, reframe their image of academia and make strides toward their flourishing.”
Valerie Ledford, a fellow academic planning counselor in the EOP office with her for several years, said Maxon-Clarke “consistently managed an extensive advising caseload of approximately 100 students” during her time in that role. But it’s about quality more than quantity, Ledford noted, as “what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to student needs, which serves as the fundamental motivation behind every project, initiative and service she develops … Her approach consistently centers on identifying and addressing the most effective ways to support student growth and success.”
Christy Huynh, a previous Chancellor’s Award recipient and Maxon-Clarke’s current supervisor as the university’s dean of students, said Maxon-Clarke goes above and beyond in creating an environment prioritizing student success and belonging.
“Grace goes well beyond her professional responsibilities to contribute to student success and institutional excellence,” Huynh wrote. “Her thoughtful leadership and commitment to always utilizing an equity lens have resulted in the creation of innovative and equitable services and programs that transform students’ lives.”
Kathleen Kerr, vice president for student affairs, noted that Maxon-Clarke’s presence in campus activities and the lives of students has a profound impact.
“Her reputation continues to be, as it was when she worked in EOP, someone who is available to support and cares deeply about student success,” Kerr added. “Grace is patient, thoughtful and intentional. She recognizes the complexity of our students and works with them as individuals, taking the time to get to know them, learn about their backgrounds, and understand their goals and dreams. Her compassion for our students and the skill with which she assists them is exceptional.”
During her time with SUNY Oswego, Maxon-Clarke has earned a number of campus awards and served on a wide range of committees, supporting first-generation students, social justice, environmental action, health and well-being, experiential learning and many other causes. She also has advised student organizations and taken on leadership roles with Oswego’s Faculty Assembly, campus United University Professions chapter and the SUNY-wide University Faculty Senate.
“Dr. Maxon-Clarke embodies the spirit of professional service –- she is not just performing a job, but actively shaping the future of higher education through thoughtful leadership, innovative problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to student success,” wrote Keith Landa, president of University Faculty Senate.
Maxon-Clarke, who also earned a doctorate in educational leadership from St. John Fisher University, is known for service in the community as well, serving on the board of the Oswego YMCA and Oswego Harborfest, and providing key volunteer contributions to organizations ranging from Suicide Awareness Voices of Education to Oswego Tree Stewards.
Huynh described Maxon-Clarke's work as “a testament to her dedication, leadership and excellence in her profession, which has profoundly impacted students, alumni, staff, faculty, the university, SUNY System and the profession.”
Preparing students for careers
Wallace is also a two-time alumna of SUNY Oswego –- earning both a bachelor’s and master’s in business administration –- who has stayed with the campus helping students succeed. Wallace started as the residence director of Johnson Hall –- home of the university’s First-Year Residential Experience program –- before moving to Student Advisement, then Career Services, taking on roles of increasing responsibility.
Wallace has proven pivotal to Career Services’ expansion and evolution in preparing Lakers for careers and professional development.
Kathleen Evans, now retired but previously the assistant vice president - academic support, described Wallace as “an extraordinary professional who has served our students, our campus and our community in highly impactful ways.”
“Jackie is an amazing professional, as evidenced by the numerous innovative programs she has created and implemented, the countless hours of direct support she has provided to students, as well as her outstanding service to our community,” Evans wrote. “Jackie not only performs superbly in her role, but she also performs beyond the parameters of her job description, while also contributing significantly to her professional community as well as to the Oswego local community.”
Wallace created, developed and/or hosted a number of initiatives including the Job-A-Rama program promoting on-campus jobs and internships, the Sophomore Success Conference for preparing second-year students for increased career engagement; Major Exploration Week with opportunities to engage in self-assessment and major/career exploration; Career Services in Syracuse programming, making a week of workshops and career topics available to those on SUNY Oswego’s Syracuse campus; and Developing Leadership Strengths workshops for many leadership groups on campus.
Michelle Bandla, the current assistant vice president - academic support and a previous Chancellor’s Award recipient, noted Wallace is a “highly-regarded and committed member of the campus, local community and state-wide organizations” who consistently focuses on how to best serve students and prepare them for success.
“She works tirelessly to ensure that all students have opportunities and support through each milestone of their college career,” Bandla wrote. “Her positive and enthusiastic attitude ensures that she is sought out by employers, faculty, staff, students and community organizations to build strong partnerships to further the goals and objectives of Career Services and SUNY Oswego.”
Wallace also has earned numerous campus-based awards for exemplary service to students and the university through one-on-one work and serving on many committees supporting professional development, inclusion, retention and many other topics. She has also advised multiple student organizations and served on the university’s Faculty Assembly. Wallace also served as interim assistant dean of students for student conduct to fill a needed role at the time.
In addition, Wallace provided crucial foundational work for SUNY Oswego’s American Association of Colleges and Universities Curriculum to Career Institute that embeds career preparation and learning outcomes into courses to better prepare students to enter their career of choice.
Wallace remains very involved in the local Oswego community, as a past executive board member of Zonta International, where she organized and continues to lead the "Zonta says no to domestic violence” campaign and still serves on committees; the advisory board of Leadership Oswego County (as a 2014 program graduate); and as both the secretary and president of Leighton Elementary Home and School organization, often driving district-level meetings through her advocacy.
Beyond campus, Wallace is the immediate past president of Central New York’s Career Development Association and membership coordinator for SUNY Career Development Organization, for which her longtime service earned multiple awards.
“She is the ultimate Career Coach because of her outstanding empathy, listening skills and ability to help students unlock their own answers,” wrote Gary Morris, director of career services and a previous Chancellor’s Award recipient. “Jackie exemplifies what every professional should aspire to within the SUNY system.”