Pattie Miller, the office manager in Counseling Services, recently earned the 2025 SUNY Mental Health Champion Award from the SUNY Council of Senior Student Affairs Officers.
The award reflects Miller’s work with students, often as their first contact when entering the Counseling Services Center in the Dr. Mary Walker Health Center building for nearly the past nine years.
“I feel like it’s an honor for me to get that award,” Miller said. “It’s related to what I do. I’m the first face they see and I’m kind to everyone.”
“This award recognizes faculty and staff who go above and beyond their job responsibilities to demonstrate exceptional dedication and advocacy for mental health awareness and support within the campus community,” explained Lynn Braun, the university’s director of counseling services. “This award celebrated Pattie’s commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment that prioritizes mental wellness for all students.”
Miller is approaching her 30th anniversary of working at SUNY Oswego, with around 20 years previously working for the LifeStyles Center. Establishing a rapport with and supporting students has become just part of Pattie’s personality.
“Colleagues commented on her wonderful ability to connect with students in moments of crisis, saying she has a way of calming students that helps de-escalate difficult situations and ensures that students truly feel seen and heard,” Braun noted.
“Pattie is the first point of contact for students seeking mental health support,” Braun said. “Her kindness and warmth are instrumental in making students feel safe and welcome, whether they’re speaking with her on the phone or walking up to the front desk. Pattie sees and appreciates each student for the individual they are, and her positive impact on their well-being shines through.”
But those relationships often run deeper than just the initial welcome, Braun said.
“She creates relationships that last for students’ entire college careers, and in turn fosters the sense of belonging and community we all strive for,” Braun said. “Countless students stop by Counseling Services just to talk to Pattie, which in turn supports their mental health, connections on campus and de-stigmatizes the therapeutic environment.”
“It’s a very friendly atmosphere,” Miller said of Counseling Services. “Working with the counselors, they’re all very nice and treat me well. They know that I can talk to and treat the students who come here very well.”
Braun also noted Miller’s service beyond the office, taking part in campus events and wellness programming, where she happily engages both students and colleagues alike.
“Her willingness to step up and support counseling services efforts, whether through outreach, attending and interacting with students and their families at tabling events, or ensuring we have the materials our team needs for these initiatives, reflects her commitment to mental health advocacy, and further speaks to her deserving to be seen as a mental health champion,” Braun said.
“It’s a really nice job,” Miller said. “I love it.”