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OSU recognizes top achievement at Convocation |
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Wednesday, 19 November 2008 |
Read Distinguished Awards bios
 Barbara Stoecker, Regents Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, received the Eminent Faculty Award which recognizes the highest level of scholarly achievement.  Pictured from left are Maria Malave, Steve Whitworth and Patrick Dorr. The three were recipients of University Service Awards for outstanding service to OSU.
“I believe it is important to take time to recognize the significant achievements of our faculty, staff and administrators,” said Provost and Senior Vice President Marlene Strathe. “This convocation recognizes those achievements that make Oklahoma State University a very special university.”
The Eminent Faculty Award, which recognizes the highest level of scholarly achievement, was presented to Barbara Stoecker, Regents Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. This award was initiated and sponsored by a distinguished alumnus, the late Willard Sparks, along with funding provided by Ann and Jim Vining of Memphis, Tenn.
“Dr. Stoecker is highly regarded throughout the nation, as well as internationally, as one of the top researchers working in the area of trace mineral metabolism and bone metabolism,” Strathe said. “Most recently, she has been working with impoverished women and children in Africa, Iraq and Jordan to determine how best to prevent mineral deficiencies.”
Stoecker also was praised for her tireless work with Niblack, Wentz, Seretean and Freshman Research Scholars, many of whom now hold prestigious positions throughout the world.
The University Service Awards are given to a faculty member, a staff member and an administrator for outstanding service to OSU.
“This award is presented to individuals who quietly and unassumedly go about their duties, but who have given so much to the overall betterment of Oklahoma State University,”
The University Service Award for a faculty member was presented to Patrick Dorr. Dorr joined the OSU faculty in 1977 and is the Haskell Cudd Professor of Accounting. He is the founder and faculty adviser to “Takin’ Care of Business,” a business student group, and has served for more than 17 years as faculty adviser of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary accounting organization. Earlier this year, more than 180 people contributed more than $400,000 to establish the “Patrick B. Dorr Beta Alpha Psi Professorship” in his honor.
The University Service Award for an administrator went to Steve Whitworth, associate controller and director of accounting in the Division of Administration and Finance. He has served OSU for 25 years and has played an integral part in multiple financial restructuring projects.
Receiving the University Service Award for a staff member was Maria Malave, who has been a custodian in the Student Union for more than 27 years and has been recognized twice for her distinguished service by the Staff Advisory Council. Also an expert seamstress, she has dedicated countless hours for over 30 years to crafting and repairing the intricate costumes worn during the annual Madrigal dinners.
Edward J. Jones, associate professor of English, received the Phoenix Award from the Graduate and Professional Student Government Association to honor an outstanding graduate faculty member who embodies the character of leadership, scholarship, university and community service and involvement with graduate and/or professional students.
Strathe and Calvin Anthony, vice chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, recognized the 2008 recipients of the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award, which carries a $1,000 permanent stipend. The 2008 recipients are W. Steven Damron, animal science; Glenn O. Brown, biosystems and agricultural engineering; Hugh S. Manon, English; Jonathan C. Comer, geography; Carol B. Johnson, accounting; Sue C. Parsons, teaching and curriculum leadership; Jane L. Swinney, design, housing and merchandising; and Anthony W. Confer, pathobiology.
Strathe and Anthony also presented the Regents Distinguished Research Awards, which also include a $1,000 permanent stipend, to Hailin Zhang, plant and soil sciences; Martin J. Wallen, English; Charles I. Abramson, psychology; Tom J. Brown, marketing; Kathryn Castle, teaching and curriculum leadership; Hongbing Lu, mechanical and aerospace engineering; Byoungho Jin, design, housing and merchandising; and Michael S. Davis, physiological sciences.
The Merrick Foundation Teaching Award, a $1,500 stipend presented to a faculty member who is judged to bring students a better understanding and appreciation of the American economic system, went to Jeretta Horn Nord, management science and information systems professor in the Spears School of Business.
The Sigma Xi Lectureship Award went to Leon J. Spicer, professor of animal science. This scientific Research Society Award, with a $1,500 stipend, recognizes scientific excellence and is considered the highest honor of its field.
Goulong “Glenn” Zhang, animal science associate professor, received the Sigma Xi Young Investigator Award, which recognizes scientists who have established notable research programs in the early stages of their careers. He received a $500 honorarium.
The Outreach Faculty Excellence Award given for faculty contributions as part of the university’s outreach mission, went to Patrick B. Dorr, Haskell Cudd Professor of Accounting, who received a $1,000 award.
The International Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes faculty who have integrated an international perspective into teaching, research and outreach, was presented to Barbara S. Stoecker, Regents Professor of nutritional sciences. She received a $1,000 stipend.
OSU’s newly appointed Regents Professors were presented a special medallion to wear at commencement programs and other official academic ceremonies. Medallions went to Jacqueline Fletcher, entomology and plant pathology; Ulrich Melcher, biochemistry and molecular biology; John Solie, biosystems and agricultural engineering; A. Gordon Emslie, physics; William Jaco, mathematics; Michael Palmer, botany; Ramachandra Ramakumar, electrical and computer engineering; and Jeffrey Spitler, mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Receiving the OSU Award of Excellence for Advisement were Jonathan Comer, geography associate professor; Melissa Gentry, senior academic counselor, arts and sciences; Jane Swinney, design, housing and merchandising assistant professor; Kevin Gerfen, senior academic counselor, education; Afshin Ghajar, Regents Professor, mechanical and aerospace engineering; Patricia Ayoubi, biochemistry and molecular biology assistant professor; and Sarah Chabinak, senior academic counselor, business. |
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