Chuck Kroll Named SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor

05/13/2024

Syracuse, N.Y. May 13, 2024 -– The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is pleased to announce Professor Chuck Kroll in the Department of Environmental Resources Engineering has been named a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor.

"Dr. Kroll's passion for teaching and creative approach in the classroom truly stand out, making him an inspiration to both students and fellow educators,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “His ability to teach with research not only sets a high standard but also enriches the learning experience for all. This recognition truly reflects his genuine dedication to nurturing minds and shaping brighter futures."

The Distinguished Teaching Professorship is conferred upon faculty having achieved a distinguished reputation for commitment to teaching. Teaching mastery, consistently demonstrated over multiple years at various levels, contributions to the discipline and the University, the State of New York, or the nation by the use of innovative pedagogy and the sustained application of intellectual skills drawing from the candidate’s scholarly and research interests are the hallmarks of this award.  

During Dr. Kroll’s 28-year career at ESF, he has been a dynamic instructor, dedicated mentor, respected colleague, and innovative researcher. He has taught more than a dozen different classes, serving students in the first year of their bachelor’s program through those taking advanced graduate courses.

Kroll frequently updates his courses’ content to address changes within his discipline and in terms of mode of delivery. He regularly explores new pedagogical approaches and takes advantage of the resources provided by ESF’s Teaching and Learning Center.

Kroll wants students to do well and provides them with the resources and support needed to succeed. His office hours are well attended and he offers his time generously, including coming to campus for weekend office hours when this best serves the students. Kroll adapted his classes for remote learning and continues to use video recording to support students who are absent or want a second chance to hear a lesson.

Kroll has received additional teaching awards including the ESF College Foundation Award for Exceptional Achievement in Teaching in 2004 and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2014.

Kroll is also an active researcher with interests focused on environmental management and modeling, with an emphasis on water resources engineering and the ecosystem services of urban trees. His research has been supported by several federal and state agencies receiving over $2 million in funding as principal investigator and another $1 million as a Co-PI. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, with many of his publications led by his graduate students.

His research uses many engineering tools, and most projects involve a combination of computer programming, geospatial information systems, and statistics. He brings this experience and expertise into the classroom to connect students to applications they will see in their careers.

Kroll served as Department chair from 2008-2011, Director of the Graduate Program in Environmental Science since 2019, and as a member of the Campus Review Committee for promotion and tenure decisions on campus since 2012, including chairing the CRC for three years.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.