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Tooele Campus News

USU RCDE Faculty Awards Dinner

Aug 14, 2009

The Regional Campuses and Distance Education Faculty Award Dinner was held Tuesday, August 11, 2009. Awards were presented to USU faculty and administrators, as well as community leaders who have been influential over the past year.

Innovative Practices Award
This award is given to an administrator or faculty member in one or more of the USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education (RCDE) programs for successfully creating, developing, and implementing a program or policy that has significantly impacted RCDE.

The Innovative Practices Award was given to Dr. Laura Foley and Dr. Vini Exton, both of the USU Uintah Basin, for their work in establishing an elementary education para-professional program in the Uintah Basin.

Vice Provost of RCDE Award
Each year the Vice Provost of Regional Campuses and Distance Education recognizes outstanding service and exceptional dedication to activities that have positively impacted RCDE. This year three individuals are recognized for extraordinary work in support of the RCDE mission statewide.

The Vice Provost of RCDE Award was given to H. Scott Hinton, USU Dean of Engineering, for his leadership and approval in the expansion of engineering programs at the Brigham City and Uintah Basin Regional Campuses. The Vice Provost of RCDE Award was also given to Janna Hawkins and Jodi Bailey of the USU Auditing Office for their leadership during the past year’s internal audit of RCDE.

RCDE Partnership Award
This award is given to a business, organization, or academic department, that has provided direct and/or sustained support for one or more of the USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education programs.

Dr. Gretchen Peacock, USU Psychology Department Head, received the RCDE Partnership Award for her strong commitment to proactive distance education degree planning and her interest in non-traditional adult learners.

Friends of RCDE Award
This award is given to an individual, group, or organization in recognition of exceptional contributions and efforts that have positively impacted USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education.

Mayor Patrick Dunlavy of Tooele, Utah received the Friends of RCDE Award in recognition of the donation of 30 acres for the establishment of a future USU Tooele Regional Campus complex. He is a visionary leader who recognizes the importance of higher education in Tooele City and the positive impact it can have on the community.

Program Development/Planning Award
This award is given to the individual who has distinguished himself or herself as a program developer or planner for a minimum of five years and has demonstrated a high degree of dedication, expertise, and professionalism through the creation of one or more USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education programs.

The Program Development/Planning Award was given to Dr. Andy Shinkle, executive director of the Brigham City Regional Campus, for his work in building the pre-engineering program in Brigham City.

Teacher of the Year Award
This award is given for teaching excellence in one or more courses as part of a USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education program.

Dr. Nathan Straight, assistant professor of English, received the Teacher of the Year Award for his accessibility and willingness to accommodate the needs of his students. His nomination letter stated that “the combination of intelligence and wit he displays in the classroom keeps students engaged even when attending from distant locations.”

Researcher/Scholar of the Year Award
This award is given to the individual who has distinguished himself or herself through evidence of research/scholarship while serving as an administrator or faculty member in one or more of the USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education programs.

The Researcher/Scholar of the Year Award was given to Dr. Christopher Johnson, assistant professor of Psychology, for his work with undergraduate researchers, two of whom recently presented at an international conference. He has also received an URCO grant to continue his research work with undergraduates.

Taggart/Ballard Award of Excellence
This award is given to an individual who is serving or has served as an administrator or faculty member in one or more of the USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education programs in recognition of outstanding service and whose efforts have positively impacted RCDE.

Dr. Robert Wagner, associate vice provost and executive director of distance education, received the Taggart/Ballard Award of Excellence for his outstanding leadership in developing web-based courses and developing programs for delivery via Interactive Broadcast.

Outstanding Service Award
This award is given to an individual who has distinguished himself or herself by providing outstanding service in the community or to the university for a minimum of five years and has demonstrated a high degree of dedication and expertise and professionalism while serving as an administrator or faculty member in one or more of the USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education programs.

This year’s recipients of the Outstanding Service Award are Dr. Sam Sturman, director of the USU Moab Center, and Dr. Jim Barta, associate department head of the School of Teacher Education and Leadership.

Pictured: Back L to R: Nathan Straight, H. Scott Hinton, Andy Shinkle, Sam Sturman, Christopher Johnson, Robert Wagner
Front L to R: Jim Barta, Vini Exton, Gretchen Peacock, Laura Foley, Jodi Bailey, Janna Hawkins. Not Pictured: Patrick Dunlavy