John R. Halstead Family Leadership in Higher Education Award
Former president of SUNY Brockport, Dr. John R. Halstead and his wife Kathleen A. Halstead established the John R. Halstead Family Leadership in Higher Education Award to recognize an outstanding junior- or senior-level student who aspires to a career in student development or higher education.
Dr. Halstead earned his undergraduate degree in sociology from Colgate University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in student personnel administration from Michigan State University and The Ohio State University in 1972 and 1980, respectively.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Dr. Halstead had ever-increasing responsibilities in student affairs at Michigan State University, Boston University, College of the Holy Cross, The Ohio State University, and Gonzaga University. In 1987, he became vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Maine, and in 1998, he was named president of Mansfield University in Pennsylvania.
He came to The College at Brockport in 2005, and served as its sixth president before retiring in 2015. At Brockport, Dr. Halstead and his wife Kathy were tireless in getting to know the campus and its unique challenges and opportunities. He focused on building increased awareness of the success of Brockport and its students throughout the community and region. On campus, he initiated construction of state-of-the-art facilities such as the townhomes, the Special Events Recreation Center, and the Liberal Arts Building. These facilities enhanced student success and academic excellence. Dr. Halstead also launched and oversaw the completion of a successful $26 million comprehensive campaign.
He received the Faculty Appreciation Award from students at Gonzaga University in 1981, and in 2001, he received The Ohio State University Outstanding Alumnus for College Personnel Award.
Eligible students must be entering their junior or senior year of study at SUNY Brockport and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better when applying for this award. They must demonstrate leadership skills through service to the College or community and exhibit a commitment to a career in higher education.