SUNY’s Association of Council Members and College Trustees honors the third-year Biotechnology major for her leadership in student government, Greek life and campus service
Julieana Johnson (Pleasant Valley, N.Y.), a third-year Biotechnology major at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech, has been named a recipient of the ACT for Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship. The award, offered by the Association of Council Members and College Trustees of the State University of New York (ACT), recognizes SUNY students for excellence in academic performance and extraordinary commitment to their campus and community. Johnson has received a $1,000 scholarship, along with an additional $250 donated in her name to the charity of her choice. She chose to direct the $250 donation to My Hope is in You Small Animal Rescue, Inc.
“It is exceedingly difficult to keep a 4.0 GPA and still show up everywhere the way Julieana does. Her coursework alone would be a full plate, but she’s spent just as much energy on the students around her,” said Eric H. Stein, Chair of SUNY Cobleskill’s College Council. “Her work with our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Council and her leadership of Iota Kappa Sigma have made a real difference on this campus, and it’s a privilege to see the Association of Council Members and College Trustees recognize it.”
Johnson created a strong foundation early in her time at SUNY Cobleskill, competing on the College’s Equine Hunt Seat Team while holding a 4.0 GPA. But she also wanted campus leadership and community involvement to be part of her college experience.
As she sought ways to connect more directly with students and campus life, Johnson built an impressive service record on campus. She has worked as a food service clerk and academic tutor, served as a Campus Engagement Leader, and spent a summer as a Water Chemistry Analyst Intern with Riverkeeper, assisting her professors in research as part of the non-profit’s mission to protect the Hudson River and its tributaries, including the Mohawk River. This fall, Johnson was selected to serve as a Resident Assistant, mentoring incoming students on her floor and in her residence hall.
Within the Student Government Association, Johnson moved from Senator to Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), a role in which she managed a budget of more than $3,000 and represented students on the College-wide DEIB Advisory Council alongside faculty, staff, and administrators. In that role, she organized programs such as a Cultural Comfort Food event celebrating dishes from cultures around the world, and a Self-Love Tabling event that distributed winter and self-care essentials like hand warmers, blankets, beanies, face masks and journals, along with notes of encouragement, to fellow students.
Johnson also served as President of Iota Kappa Sigma Multicultural Sorority, which has been named SUNY Cobleskill’s “Greek Organization of the Year” for two consecutive years during her tenure. Under her leadership, the sorority has contributed to the campus Share Shop, which provides students free access to clothing and other essentials, and has taken part in initiatives including the Village of Cobleskill Holiday Parade, campus beautification and cleanup efforts, and bake sale fundraisers.
“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me. It’s fuel to keep going, and a reminder of why campus engagement matters to me. Every role I’ve taken on here has taught me something different, and I’m grateful for all of it, because those experiences have made me a more well-rounded person and pushed me closer to the future I’m after. From here, I’m looking forward to getting clinical experience during my undergraduate years and continuing on to medical school,” said Johnson.
Recipients of the ACT for Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship are invited to attend the Awards Luncheon Ceremony at the ACT Fall Conference on November 14, 2026.
