Spotlight on Success

2024 Alumni Awards
By Vanessa Karagosian
The Southern New Hampshire University Alumni Association and the Office of Institutional Advancement take pride in honoring some of our most outstanding community members each year within three categories of notable SNHU Alumni Awards. From contributions in their professional fields to making a positive difference in their communities, these exceptional individuals exemplify the spirit SNHU instills in its students. Join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals. We look forward to formally celebrating them later this spring!
Sampath Deva headshot
Alumni Hall of Fame // Recognizes an individual who graduated 10 or more years ago and has made outstanding contributions to their profession, their community, and the university.

Sampath Deva ’95G has created a lasting impact at SNHU through his commitment as a loyal volunteer and donor. Whether he’s lending a helping hand or sharing his story to inspire others, staff and students know they can always count on Sampath to go above and beyond. Over the years, Sampath has served as a passionate advocate for SNHU fundraising initiatives, especially student scholarships, which enabled him to achieve his academic dreams and build the foundation for his career. Coming to New Hampshire College as an international student from India, Sampath has enthusiastically helped current international students as they navigate their journey from learner to professional. His dedication to the university community for the last 30 years has made a difference in the lives of many SNHU students and will continue for years to come.

Connor Chute headshot
Emerging Leader Award // Recognizes alumni who graduated not more than five years ago and have demonstrated leadership and support to the alumni community and to the university.

Connor Chute ’22 stands out as an esteemed leader, both professionally and within the SNHU community. During his time as a student, Connor was active in the Professional Sales Program where his mentors and coaches gave him the confidence needed to enter a career in sales. Since graduating, Connor has been an integral part of the program by volunteering his time coaching current students, and occasionally judging a few of the competitions he once competed in. Connor’s impact as a student and now as an alum shows what being an emerging leader is all about—sharing his knowledge and experiences to prepare the next generation.

Dr. Amanda Dolan headshot
Distinguished Service to SNHU Award // Honors a faculty or staff member or friend of SNHU for their leadership, dedication, and loyal service to the university and alumni community.

Dr. Amanda Dolan ’13MEd ’20EdD demonstrates dedication and commitment, leaving a lasting impact on SNHU, its students, and her community. With more than 15 years in education, she has a strong focus on the evolution of framework, which consists of practices and standards that position all educators to better serve students and their emerging needs. Amanda is actively involved in her community, dedicating her time and expertise serving as Chair of SNHU GC Women’s Empowerment Roundtable Scholarship Committee and as an active member of New England Education Research Organization, American Education Research Association, New England Educational Assessment Network, and Educators Explore. At SNHU, Amanda’s service shines beyond the classroom as an adjunct professor; she’s also a lead instructional designer and doctoral scholar practitioner, where she’s involved in advising and instructing campus-based cohort models. Amanda’s leadership can be seen from across the university and beyond as she continues to be a beacon of light to her students, our institution, and the field of education.

Becca Harris headshot
SNHU Distinguished Alumni Service Award // Honors an individual who graduated six or more years ago, and recognizes their leadership, dedication, and loyal service to the university and alumni community.

Becca Harris ’13 is an inspiring individual who has changed the lives of so many through her passion for service. While at SNHU, Becca fell in love with all things service, starting a work-study job in The Chandler Center and service-learning classes. Throughout her undergraduate experience, Becca held every student worker role possible, including service-learning coordinator, volunteer project coordinator, and Alternative Break leader. Now as an alum, Becca has turned her passion into a full-time job. Over the past 11 years, Becca has worked at nonprofit organizations with areas of focus ranging from grief, Down syndrome, and substance abuse disorder. When she isn’t working, she remains an active volunteer in her community, and she became the youngest woman to ever become president of her Rotary Club. The SNHU community has experienced her dedication to service firsthand through her involvement with Global Days of Service, at The Chandler Center, and as a classroom speaker. Becca’s generosity and investment in her community is nothing short of inspiring.

Jim Chilton smiling with two female colleagues

SNHU Alumnus Joins Board of Trustees

The SNHU Board of Trustees welcomed Jim Chilton ’98MBA, an experienced technology executive with a passion for driving growth and transformation, who was appointed to the Board unanimously in February. Chilton currently serves as chief technology officer at Cengage Group, one of the world’s largest edtech companies that provides quality digital products and services to millions of students to help advance their education and careers and improve their lives. Like many SNHU learners, Chilton’s own higher education journey included balancing a full-time job with late-night study sessions. He worked during the day and attended college at night, earning his MBA from New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University) in 1998. Learn more about Jim at alumni.snhu.edu/jim-chilton