Faculty Achievement Awards for 2012-13 presented at 35th annual Convocation of Scholars ceremony
Andy Mooneyhan, Monika Myers, Timothy Oliver and Brandon Kemp
JONESBORO -- Dr. Brandon Kemp, Dr. Andy Mooneyhan, Dr. Monika Ulrich Myers, and Dr. Timothy Oliver today were named recipients of the 2012-13 Faculty Achievement Awards during a Convocation of Scholars ceremony at Arkansas State University.
Kemp, assistant professor of electrical engineering in the College of Engineering, received the award for “Excellence in Scholarship.”
Mooneyhan, associate professor of physical education in the College of Education, received the award for “Excellence in Professional Service.”
Myers, assistant professor of sociology in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, received the award for “Excellence in Teaching.”
Oliver, associate professor of music and director of bands in the College of Fine Arts, received the award for “Excellence in Academic Advising.”
The award winners were announced during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation, a highlight of the 35th annual Convocation of Scholars events. Also, six faculty members who are retiring this academic year were recognized for their contributions.
“It is my honor to help celebrate the accomplishments of some of our most outstanding faculty,” commented Chancellor Tim Hudson. “This awards ceremony is modest in comparison to the incredible achievements and value provided to this institution and our students by these faculty members.”
A university committee reviews nominations from professional colleagues and makes the final selections for the faculty awards.
“This is a special time in our academic community when we honor and celebrate the academic excellence of our faculty, and their life-long contributions to the academy and to ASU,” added Dr. Lynita Cooksey, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, while thanking the Faculty Achievement Awards Committee for their work in reviewing the nominees’ applications and supporting materials. “Selecting just one recipient in each category from a pool of outstanding applicants is not an easy choice to make.”
Kemp was cited for four peer-reviewed journal articles of exemplary quality, two conference presentations with proceedings publications, co-author of a patent, and recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award.
An A-State alumnus, he joined the faculty in 2010 after completing his doctoral degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mooneyhan was cited for his willingness to serve his profession in numerous capacities, including involvement in more than 30 committees, subcommittees and task forces. This includes chair of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, chair of the Shared Governance Oversight Committee, and executive director of the Arkansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Also an A-State alumnus, Mooneyhan completed his doctoral degree at the University of Arkansas and joined the ASU faculty in 1999.
Myers was commended for giving students “ . . . both materials that are relevant to their overall education, as well as marketable job skills . . .” A student said two courses under Dr. Myers were favorites, explaining “First, they were engaging. We never just listened to lectures. We had class discussions; we worked on group activities; we practiced content analysis instead of just talking about it! . . . Outside of the classroom, this individual is fully committed to the success of the students . . . making time to meet with students after class to assist with papers and also encouraging students in graduate studies.”
She completed her doctoral degree at the University of Arizona and joined the ASU faculty in 2009.
Oliver was commended in his nomination packet by an appreciative former student who wrote, “To say this advisor was instrumental in helping me find my first job would be an understatement. Regardless of how busy he was, he always stopped what he was doing to write a letter of recommendation, give countless hours of advice, or just help calm the nerves of an undergrad who was about to go out into the ‘real world.’ ”
Oliver came to Arkansas State in 2007, and completed his doctoral degree at Florida State University.
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