CORNING, N.Y. -- State University of New York (SUNY) Corning Community College professors George Hurlburt and David Pindel have been conferred the rank of SUNY Distinguished Faculty by the State University of New York System. Conferred solely by the State University Board of Trustees, the SUNY Distinguished Faculty designation represents the university system’s highest academic honor.
The professors were formally recognized in August 2026 during a ceremony in Albany, where SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. honored faculty members inducted into the SUNY Distinguished Academy. Notably, among all statewide inductees since 2024, only four are community college professors—and three of those four hail directly from SUNY Corning Community College.
Hurlburt, Professor of Mathematics, was bestowed the SUNY Distinguished Service Professorship. Pindel, Professor of Biology, was awarded the SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professorship.
Emeritus Professor George Hurlburt
Hurlburt serves as President of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year
Colleges (AMATYC) and represents the organization at the Conference Board of Mathematical
Sciences (CBMS). His national leadership with AMATYC has enabled him to advocate for
community colleges and the broader SUNY System on a national platform. Active in organizations
such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Organization
for Student Success, he continually works to elevate mathematics education.
Select Accolades:
- 2011: SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
- 2012: CCC Regional Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching Award
- 2018: SUNY Exemplary Online Educator
- 2020: NYSMATYC Award for Outstanding Contributions to Mathematics in Education
Professor David Pindel
Pindel has made a profound impact on the college through his dedication to science education and student achievement. He teaches coursework across general biology, ecology, evolution, and microbiology, in addition to two honors courses that integrate biology with history, culture, and philosophy. Beyond the classroom, Pindel mentors a team of nine science faculty members and actively guides students in the College’s Environmental Science program.
Select Accolades:
- 2006: CCC Regional Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching Award
- 2008: SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
- 2020: SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
About the SUNY Distinguished Faculty Ranks Program
Since 1963, 1,302 SUNY faculty members across the state have been promoted to SUNY's four Distinguished ranks. This honored group includes Nobel Laureates, National Academy members, National Medal of Technology and Innovation recipients, a Fields Medalist, and a Dirac Medalist. Distinguished faculty serve as campus role models—delivering guest lectures, shaping curricular reform, mentoring junior faculty, and leading inquiry into issues of importance to SUNY and society.
- Distinguished Service Professorship: Conferred upon faculty who have achieved a distinguished reputation for service to their campus, the university, the local community, New York State, or the nation through sustained intellectual leadership.
- Distinguished Teaching Professorship: Awarded to instructional faculty for outstanding teaching competence and mastery demonstrated over multiple years at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional levels.
