At the 2012 all-college fall meeting, Dean Tammy Bray highlighted the achievements CPHHS faculty and staff completed over the past year to lead our college into the future, outlined the CPHHS agenda that will align the college with Oregon State’s strategic plans, and discussed the timeline the college needs to meet to successfully become an accredited College of Public Health and Human Sciences by 2014.
The accomplishments of CPHHS wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of dedicated faculty and staff members. To honor those who spend tireless hours working to maintain and enhance the college’s mission, Dean Bray, along with the help of her colleagues, awarded five outstanding faculty and staff in recognition of their hard work and commitment. Please join us in congratulating Joonkoo Yun, Kim Hannigan-Downs, Octaviano Merecias-Cuevas, Melanie Jones and Ann Asbell.
2012 Faculty Excellence Award
Tammy Bray, JK Yun, Megan MacDonald
Presented to Joonkoo Yun
For his tireless commitment and passion for the field of adapted physical activity; for his dedication to teaching, research and outreach; for his leadership in developing and promoting healthy lifestyles for children and adolescents with disabilities and their families; for always putting students first; for his work as a supportive adviser and mentor; and for his genuine desire to help students succeed.
“JK is an extremely dedicated professional who always has time for his students or colleagues. He is very passionate about meeting the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and is always striving to improve their health,” says nominator Simon Driver.
“Dr. Yun exemplifies the spirit of the faculty excellence award. He excels in all aspects of outreach, research and teaching, and in our opinion, one of his strongest qualities is his tireless dedication to his students. His students always come first,” says nominator Megan MacDonald.
2012 Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award
Tammy Bray, Kim Hannigan-Downs, Mark Hoffman, Tony Wilcox
Presented to Kim Hannigan-Downs
In recognition of her success in elevating the quality of the Athletic Training Education Program and creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment while maintaining rigorous expectations; for her innate ability to resolve conflict; for being an honest, optimistic, compassionate and student-centered adviser, mentor and educator; and for her sincere interest in all aspects of her students’ lives.
“Dr. Kim Hannigan is an award-winning educator, as well as an honest, compassionate, and student-centered adviser and mentor. Students and faculty alike find Kim to be the most genuinely positive person they know. A common refrain from our students is that she is ‘the best professor they have ever had.’ She knows every student in the Athletic Training program, and all of them feel that they have a special relationship with her because of how effectively she addresses their individual needs. Our students never doubt Kim’s commitment and caring for them as future professionals and as people. She brings out their best,” says nominators Tony Wilcox and Mark Hoffman.
2012 Excellence in Outreach Award
Tammy Bray, Octaviano Merecias-Cuevas, Doug Hart
Presented to Octaviano Merecias-Cuevas
In recognition of his success in positively growing and expanding the 4-H Tech Wizards program; for being a quintessential educator in the world of 4-H youth development and Extension education; for his ability to take on new and innovative projects; for his dedication and skills in project coordination; for his passion of giving back to the community and reaching out to diverse groups; and for his care and devotion to improving the lives of underrepresented youth.
“In only four years, Octaviano has grown the 4-H Tech Wizards program into a nationally recognized program. It has been replicated in 20 other states across the country and was recently showcased during the Smithsonian’s Folk-life Festival in Washington, D.C. This program reaches audiences that typically have issues with elevated school dropout rate, low achievement and underrepresented audiences in post-secondary education. Participants of the Tech Wizards are now experiencing higher grades and increased graduation rate,” says nominator Doug Hart.
2012 Professional Faculty and Staff Excellence Award
Tammy Bray, Melanie Jones, Kim McAlexander
Presented to Melanie Jones
For creating positive relationships with students as a dedicated advisor, mentor and liaison; for her leadership in developing new programs instrumental to students’ learning; for her positive attitude and calming personality; for her commitment to promoting student success; and for her overall passion of supporting, encouraging and helping students reach their goals.
“Melanie Jones has provided dedicated service to the college and advising for our undergraduate students for six years. She is passionate about the success of her advisees and college/campus student-focused initiatives. Her professional and positive communication style helps students, faculty and staff to succeed in their roles. Melanie is a respected and highly valued member of our PHHS family,” says nominator Kim McAlexander.
2012 Taking Care of Life Award
Tammy Bray, Ann Asbell
Presented to Ann Asbell
For her leadership in the success of the Physical Activity Course Program and the health and wellness of our students, as well as her dedication to the College of Public Health and Human Sciences and Oregon State University.
“Ann’s leadership is vital to the success of the Physical Activity Course Program and the health and wellness of our students,” says CPHHS Dean Tammy Bray. “She is sincerely dedicated to the college and Oregon State University and in promoting physical activity through the university and community.”
In addition, several faculty members were recognized with University awards:
The OSU Award for Outstanding Service to Persons with Disabilities:
Alicia Dixon-Ibarra, a doctoral candidate in Exercise and Sports Science.
The Dar Reese Excellence in Advising Award:
Kim Hannigan, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Biological and Population Health Sciences in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences.
The D. Curtis Mumford Faculty Service Award:
Joanne Sorte, senior instructor in the School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences with the College of Public Health and Human Sciences.
The Excellence in Graduate Mentoring Award:
Chunhuei Chi, an associate professor in the School of Biological and Population Health Sciences with the College of Public Health and Human Sciences.
See the full list of University Day award winners at University Day celebrates success through collaboration
