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OSU honors special achievement at Fall Convocation |
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Thursday, 11 October 2007 |
 Dr. Marlene Strathe, Interim OSU President and CEO, presents Dr. Chang-An Yu with the Eminent Faculty Award at the 2007 Fall Convocation. Dr. Yu joined the OSU faculty in 1981 and currently serves as the Regents and Sarkeys distinguished professor of biochemistry.
“It is important to take time to recognize significant achievements and bring the campus community together to celebrate another academic year,” said interim OSU System CEO and President Marlene Strathe.
The Eminent Faculty Award, which recognizes the highest level of scholarly achievement, was presented to Chang-An Yu, who joined the OSU faculty in 1981 and currently serves as the Regents and Sarkeys distinguished professor of biochemistry.
Dr. Yu is highly regarded throughout the nation, as well as internationally as one of the top researchers working in the area of biological energy transduction. In support of his nomination, a student said, “Dr. Yu stands committed to encouraging his students to achieve their best in each of their academic and research areas.”
The Eminent Faculty award was initiated and sponsored by distinguished alumnus, the late Willard Sparks, along with funding provided by Ann and Jim Vining of Memphis, Tenn.
The OSU Loyal and True award, which was established to recognize individuals who personify the spirit of OSU through their unwavering devotion and personal sacrifice and commitment, was presented to Pat Knaub, who has served as the dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences since 1989.
Under Knaub’s able leadership, the college is well positioned for the future when she retires at the end of this year. The college has experienced a 98 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment, as well as a 50 percent increase in graduate students with her at the helm.
Private giving to the college has increased an average of 38 percent a year for a total of $13 million for professorships and chairs to enhance faculty positions, scholarships for students and faculty enhancements. In addition, Knaub has overseen a dramatic increase in scholarly productivity with 74 percent of the current faculty receiving extramural funding.
The President’s Service Award is given to a faculty member, staff member and an administrator for outstanding service to Oklahoma State University.
“This award is presented to individuals who quietly and un-assumedly go about their duties, but who also have given so much to the overall betterment of OSU,” Strathe said. This year’s winners are:
Faculty – James Breazile, who first joined the OSU faculty in 1963, then went to the University of Missouri before returning to the OSU department of Physiological Sciences in 1978. Over his 44 years in academia, Breazile has proven to be a dedicated teacher and strong advocate for students.
Staff – Denise Brooks, who works for the office of the associate vice president for administration and finance. She has dedicated herself to OSU for the past 27 years and often extends herself far beyond her job description.
Administrator – Bob Dixon, who serves as the director of grants and contracts financial administration. Dixon helps researchers utilize their grants and contracts to the fullest. He won the National Association of College and University Business Officers’ 2007 Professional Development Award.
Strathe and Lou Watkins, chair of the OSU Board of Regents, recognized winners of the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award, which carries a $1,000 permanent stipend. The recipients were:
• Jeffory Hattey, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Sheila Kennison, College of Arts & Sciences
• Timm Bliss, College of Education
• Camille DeYong, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
• Amanda Harrist, College of Human Environmental Sciences
• Marilyn Kletke, Spears School of Business
• James Lish, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
• Ravi Sheory, College of Arts and Sciences
Strathe and Watkins also presented the Regents Distinguished Research Award, which also includes a $1,000 permanent stipend. The winners were:
• Wade Brorsen, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Robert Mayer, College of Arts & Sciences
• Barbara Walker, College of Education
• Kaladi Babu, College of Arts & Sciences
• Jeffrey Spitler, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
• Amanda Harrist, College of Human Environmental Sciences; this is the second time someone received both the teaching and the research distinguished award.
• Ramesh Rao, Spears School of Business
• William Barrow, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
The Sigma Xi Lectureship Award went to Richard Bunce, professor of chemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences.
LeGrande Slaughter was named recipient of the Sigma Xi Young Investigator Award, which recognizes scientists in the early stages of their careers who have established notable research programs. This is the first time the award has been given at the Annual Fall Convocation.
Two awards were presented to recognize outstanding efforts through OSU outreach programs. The Outreach Faculty Excellence Award given to honor the contributions by faculty as part of the outreach mission of the university went to Andrew Urich, Spears School of Business.
The International Faculty Excellence Award, established to recognize faculty members who have integrated an international perspective into their teaching, research and outreach was presented to Dale Lightfoot, professor and head of the Department of Geography.
Lynna Ausburn, an associate professor in the School of Teaching and Curriculum Leadership, received the Phoenix Award for graduate faculty. Recipients are chosen by the graduate and professional student government association.
Strathe also recognized newly appointed regents professors, who were presented a special medallion that will be worn at commencement programs and other official academic ceremonies. The newest OSU Regents Professors are:
• Charles Abramson, College of Arts & Sciences
• Riley Dunlap, College of Arts & Sciences
• Carey Pope, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
• Dan Rickman, Spears School of Business
• Peter Sherwood, College of Arts & Sciences
Also honored at the convocation were OSU’s Outstanding Advisors:
• Karen Hickman, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Michael Taylor, College of Arts & Sciences
• Karen Smith, College of Arts & Sciences
• Todd Snethen, College of Education
• David Pratt, Colleg of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
• Ted Drab, College of Human Environmental Sciences
• Cortney Williams, Spears School of Business
Strathe was joined by U.S. Marine Major Adam Chalkely to present OSU student Jeffrey Swinford with the special Commandant’s Trophy for his outstanding achievement this past summer in the corps “platoon leaders class.”
Swinford, who is applying to law school and hopes to someday be a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corp, is a business management senior from Southlake, Texas. |
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