Commencement Profile: Chanele R. Haynes

Chanele Haynes has earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and distinguished herself with her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and initiative on campus research projects and leadership positions.

Haynes will receive the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence during the 2:00 p.m. baccalaureate ceremony at Buffalo State's 140th Commencement, Saturday, May 12, in the Sports Arena.

A Ronald E. McNair’s Scholars Program participant and first-generation college student, Haynes maintained a 3.54 GPA while taking a rigorous course load each semester. She received a grant from the Undergraduate Research Office to fund her research project, “The Effects of Intimate Partner Violence on Young Adults: Grades, Sleep Quality, and Socialization.” She presented at the McNair Summer Research Symposium and was one of three students selected to present at the University of Maryland’s annual McNair Scholars and Undergraduate Research Conference.

Haynes was invited to join many notable organizations including the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society, the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, the latter of which she served as president. To gain hands-on experience in the law enforcement field, she interned with the University at Buffalo’s University Police Department, where she assisted with programming to reduce vehicle and residence hall thefts.

She served her fellow students as vice president of United Students Government, president of the Resident Hall Association, an orientation leader and mentor with the Educational Opportunity Program, a student ambassador with the Admissions Office, and a member of the Residence Hall Judicial Board.

As an EOP mentor, Haynes engaged students in the learning process through coaching, tutoring, and serving as a sounding board for personal, social, and academic problems. Outside of campus, Haynes prepared and served meals with Friends of Night People Inc. and participated in Operation Big Book Bag, which provides educational workshops on effective learning strategies for children in the community and their parents.