Upstate Medical University presented 16 awards at its fall convocation Sept. 16. The President‘s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Faculty Service, College of Nursing, was given to Todd Ulrich. Below is his biography, as it appears in the convocation program.

By Stephanie DeJoseph

Todd Olrich is dedicated to Upstate Medical University as an alumnus and also as a member of the faculty. He is known for his engaging teaching methods as he presents to students every semester for the Clinical Nurse Specialist program. Students comment on his extensive knowledge and have given him excellent evaluations. When presenting clinical material, he gives examples of his experience to allow students to apply the material they have learned.

Excelling in professional growth along with his teaching, he has authored papers and presented almost yearly at national conferences. Mr. Olrich discusses these experiences with students and encourages them in their scholarly work. Additionally, he is always willing to act as a preceptor for the graduate students at the College of Nursing. His student evaluations show that he is fair and accurate his role as preceptor.

In addition to teaching at Upstate, Mr. Olrich is a clinical nurse specialist in the Med-Surg Unit of Crouse Hospital, where he serves as a leader, consultant and mentor. He is considered a change agent in advancing the practice of nursing among his fellow nurses.

He is an active member of many professional organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau International, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists and Crouse Hospital Alumni Association.

Mr. Olrich received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2004, an Educational Minor certificate in 2005 and an MS degree in 2006, all from Upstate Medical University.