Terraka Garner
Staff Writer
Faculty at Idaho State University were presented with the annual distinguished faculty awards on April 8 at the Juniper Hills Country Club.
There were four to five candidates in each of the three categories: teaching, research and service. Each category was focused around different ideals relating to the success of ISU students individually and as a whole.
The event was designed to help best honor these individuals who have made a great commitment to ISU.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work that the faculty do. It speaks to the quality of the institution,” said ISU President Arthur Vailas.
Vailas stated in his speech that it takes a lot of effort to fulfill the requirements of a distinguished faculty member, but on the other hand, it brings recognition not only to the individual faculty member but also to the university.
Honored for teaching were Barbara Frank, who has been teaching in the biological sciences department since 2002; Teddie Gould, who has been teaching in the College of Pharmacy since 1981; Andrew Holland, who has been teaching in the chemistry department since 2004; Cathy Peppers, who has been teaching at ISU since 1998, first in the English department and now in the College of Business and Curtis Whitaker, who has been teaching in ISU’s Department of English and Philosophy since 2001.
The teaching category is primarily focused around the teacher-student experience according to a speech given by Roger Schmidt who was presenting for Donna Lybecker, a chair on the Master Teacher Selection Committee.
“It is an honor to be recognized for teaching,” said Frank. “I’ve had a number of outstanding teachers and I feel like I am trying to keep that legacy progressing.”
Honored for outstanding research were Jennifer Attebery, a professor of English and chair for the Department of English and Philosophy; Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences Colden Baxter; Professor of Psychology Shannon Lynch; Professor of Political Science Mark McBeth and Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences Jean Pfau.
The outstanding researcher award is reserved for those instructors who have made considerable advancements or achievements within their fields of research.
“To be recognized in that group is a tremendous honor,” said Lynch.
The four individuals honored for service were Interim Director of Public Safety and Directory of the Law Enforcement Program in the College of Technology Cal Edwards; Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry Caryn Evilia; Associate Professor in the Department of Physical and Occupation Therapy Cindy Seiger and Associate Professor of Spanish in Global Studies and Languages Cathleen Tarp, who also shares an appointment in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.
The service category is meant to recognize the service a candidate does for faculty and for students.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized for the outstanding service award,” said Edwards. “Most faculty do a lot of service. We should all be recognized for the service that we do, but to be singled out is an accomplishment.”
The distinguished faculty awards began with the first distinguished teacher award luncheon in 1977.
According to the event program, “the program was broadened in 1980 to include Master Teacher Awards to honor the finalists.”
The entire goal, according to Dean of the Graduate School Cornelis Van der Schyf, is to generate occupation opportunities.
“We have the opportunity at the university to really create people who are creating jobs,” said Van Der Schyf in his speech.
This year the distinguished faculty awards event was put together by Connie Tillotson from the Office of Academic Affairs, and Callie Bell. It was hosted by Provost and President of Academic Affairs, Laura Woodworth-Ney.
Winners for the distinguished faculty award in each category will be announced at the ISU commencement on May 9 at Holt Arena.
