Mohawk Valley Community College Vice President for Learning and Academic Affairs Dr. Lewis Kahler is one of only 22 college administrators nationwide to receive the Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished College Administrator Award in recognition of his outstanding support of student success. 

The award recognizes college administrators working directly with student leaders to solve problems on campus and in their communities. The honorees were selected from among thousands of college administrators eligible to receive this award. “These college administrators are beloved on campus — they know students by name and by circumstance,” says Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “This award is special because it comes directly from the students, and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for the support for them and students like them.”

In nominating Kahler, students referenced his tireless support and advocacy for MVCC’s Lambda Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and its members. For example, Kahler plans his schedule so he is able to speak at PTK’s fall and spring induction ceremonies, as well as the MVCC Honors Brunch, which is held each year on the morning of May Commencement. At these events, Kahler takes the time to talk with PTK officers and members, citing specific actions so students know he is paying attention to their contributions. He also provides support for the PTK Advisor Team, assisting with recruiting new advisors, and helping members access resources and identify partners for their annual projects. Kahler also reports on chapter activities to the MVCC Board of Trustees and recognizes them at college-wide meetings.

The students also applauded Kahler for tackling specific issues that do not have easy solutions. He regularly solicits feedback and participation from others, including students. He strives to find innovative solutions to meet workforce and student needs, especially those unable to follow a traditional college schedule and timeline. 

Kahler has been with MVCC since 2004 in a variety of capacities. He worked his way up the academic ranks from an Adjunct Instructor to Instructor to Assistant Professor, and finally Associate Professor of Humanities teaching writing, literature, and theater courses. In 2009, Kahler was appointed Dean of the Center for Arts and Humanities and then became Assistant Vice President and Dean of the School of Business, Education, and Liberal Arts in 2016. In these administrative roles, he was responsible for setting the standard for intellectual engagement, academic integrity, and accomplishment by providing strategic vision for and operational leadership to his respective department. Additionally, his roles included providing strategic, innovative, and visionary leadership in support of the College’s Strategic Plan, mission, vision, and values. He was named Vice President for Learning and Academic Affairs in 2018.

Kahler earned a Doctorate of Education from Northeastern University in Boston with his dissertation “Exploring Meaning in Organizational Change: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the Effect of Change on Identity.” He also holds a master’s degree in English from SUNY Cortland and a bachelor’s degree in English from Utica College. He also spent several years as an adjunct instructor at Utica College teaching English courses from 2001 to 2005.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.