Edwards Named to SUNY Plattsburgh College Council

Edwards, who is a full professor and former division head of the mathematics program at Paul Smiths College, will join nine others on the council. Members serve a seven-year term and are charged with providing governance, offering their expertise and judgment as a resource to the college, and representing their campus and the State University of New York in their communities.

"I look forward to serving with Mrs. Edwards," said College Council Chairman Donald Garrant. "Her years of experience in higher education will be of invaluable assistance to the college as we work together to ensure that SUNY Plattsburgh continues to function as one of the leading comprehensive colleges within SUNY."

Edwards, herself, is enthusiastic about joining the council.

"I am very excited about my appointment to the SUNY Plattsburgh College Council," she said. "I am committed to quality higher education, having spent my working career as a college professor and administrator. Plattsburgh is a great school, providing a quality education that is readily available to residents of the North Country and beyond. I look forward to working with the other members of the council and the entire Plattsburgh college community."

Edwards began her career as an instructor at Paul Smith's College in 1980. She worked her way up to a full professor and was an acting dean, leading the natural resources, science and liberal arts division of the college during the 2003-2004 school year. A member of many professional organizations, Edwards belongs to such groups as the Mathematical Association of America, the New York State Mathematical Association of Two-year Colleges, the Harvard Educational Review and the American Educational Research Association.

She holds an associate degree in science from Empire State College, a bachelor's in mathematics with a minor in education from SUNY Potsdam and a master's in liberal studies (mathematics and administration and counseling) from SUNY Plattsburgh. She is working on a Ph.D. in educational theory and practice (curriculum instruction and math education) at the University at Albany.

Edwards is married to Richard Edwards, an attorney. They have four children: Katie, age 28, who holds a Ph.D. and is a research scientist for Cubrc Laboratory in Buffalo;  Eric, 25, a third-year law-school student in North Carolina; Hayley, 22, a senior at Daemen College in Buffalo, and Stephanie, 18, a senior at Franklin Academy in Malone.

Karen Edwards will take the place of William Owens on the College Council. Owens is managing partner with the law firm of Stafford, Owens, Curtin and Trombley PLLC in Plattsburgh.

"Bill has served admirably as a member of the council," said Garrant. "His support and guidance were invaluable to the council. He especially played an important role, serving as chairperson of the budget committee, which reviews the overall operating budget of the college. His advice and support will be missed."

Edwards will join two other new members, Heidi Kelly and Angel Acosta at the next meeting of the College Council, on Monday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. in Room 416 of Sibley Hall. The public is invited to attend.