03/24/2026
A SUNY Cortland senior was among 49 students from across New York state recognized for student excellence in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
Joshua Jenkins, a psychology major from New York City, was the university’s recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence, which is given to outstanding EOP students who demonstrate academic merit and perseverance.
Jenkins received the honor at a March 9 awards ceremony in Albany, where he was recognized by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.
“Over nearly 60 years, SUNY’s EOP has supported tens of thousands of students and empowered them to achieve their full potential,” Chancellor King said. “Our McConney Award winners’ hard work as they move forward on their path to academic excellence and upward mobility makes them an inspiration for all of our students, faculty, staff and administrators.”
Since it was established in 1967, EOP has provided educational access, academic support and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. EOP currently operates on 54 SUNY campuses and serves more than 9,000 students, including 114 at SUNY Cortland.
Jenkins was selected as the university’s nominee because he embraced opportunity from his first days on campus, starting with the program’s first-year Summer Institute. He quickly became a model for his peers, serving as an EOP student staff member for future classes and a resident assistant for two years.
“Joshua is a light to those around him, especially other scholars in EOP,” said Kharmen Wingard M ’11, the program’s assistant director. “He came to Cortland with an open mind and a strong work ethic. Throughout his time here, he has shared those gifts with others. He’s a shining example of what students can achieve through EOP.”
Jenkins gained experience in many departments at SUNY Cortland, from the Research and Sponsored Programs Office to Campus Recreation, and earned a reputation for his welcoming attitude and willingness to learn. He plans to go on to graduate school and ultimately pursue a career in forensic psychology.
Jenkins shared more about his Cortland experience in the Q&A feature below.
Activities at Cortland
“During my time at Cortland, I was a resident assistant for two years, so a lot of my activities included residence hall programming and events as well as attending events for different clubs like Multicultural Male Initiative (MMI) and other fundraiser events.”
Why did you choose to attend Cortland?
“I was especially drawn to Cortland through the Educational Opportunity Program, which made my application process and transition to Cortland smooth and gave me the chance to meet many staff members across different departments and learn more about Cortland and the community. Cortland was very welcoming and school-spirited, with many different ways to get involved around campus, whether in sports, clubs or other campus activities.”
Advice for new EOP students
“My biggest advice for new EOP students would be to know your priorities and goals. In college, it is easy to get overwhelmed or lose track of what you want to accomplish and do, even with simple everyday tasks. Prioritizing what is actually important is extremely valuable and something that you have to learn to balance between your schoolwork, social life and personal life. College is what you make of it, so make sure to also have fun and experience new things.”
If I had to describe EOP in one word, it would be:
Family
Favorite EOP memory
“I have many memories with EOP, but my favorite would probably be when I became an EOP counselor for the first time and worked with the staff and incoming EOP freshmen in the summer before my sophomore year. I gained a lot of experience and had many fun memories throughout the summer. My other favorite memory would definitely be when I was a student returning to campus with my friends (after Summer Institute) and starting our freshman year together.”
Favorite class
“My favorite class would have to be forensic psychology because the connection between the legal system and psychology has always been a big interest of mine.”
Proudest Cortland accomplishment
“My proudest Cortland accomplishment was being awarded the 2025-26 Norman R. McConney Jr. Award.”
Interesting fact about me
“I have a lot of siblings.”
Future plans and goals
“In the future, I want to continue my studies in psychology and counseling to eventually get a doctoral degree focusing on forensic psychology, gaining experience and completing internships along the way to eventually obtain professional licensure.”