From the GRport–
The University Senate gathered to recognize faculty members who went above and beyond this past year during the university’s first Spring Assembly on May 6.
“It has been exciting and sometimes daunting, but we have done so much in a very small amount of time,” Senate Co-Chair Wendy Turner said with a smile. “But we know there is more to be done.”
Over the past year the Faculty Senate was formed, passed bylaws, and formed several committees to oversee key aspects of education and university life. But, after all the hard work, the foundation of a great faculty senate was created, according to Turner.
The University Senate held its Spring Assembly on May 6 and honored retiring and award-winning faculty.The evening then turned to honoring the special faculty members who went above and beyond this past year.
Dr. Debra Reddin van Tuyll received the Louis K. Bell Alumni Research Award due to her outstanding work in research and her publication record. Her work is gaining a lot of attention in the academic community.
Dr. Richard Deaner received the Outstanding Teaching Award for his energetic teaching style that gets students involved with the material. He has quite a reputation around his department for his energy and his sense of humor.
Dr. Jana Sandarg received the Richard Wallace Distinguished Service Award for her work with the Study Abroad Program that she directs and her work in the community. The Study Abroad Program has tripled it’s enrollment since she has been the director and her work with La Asociation Cultural Hispanoamericana touches many lives.
Dr. Abiodun Emmanuel Akinwuntan received the Outstanding Faculty Award for the College of Allied Health Sciences for his work with neurophysiology and neurology research. He has received numerous externally funded grants to investigate the use of driving simulation and virtual technologies to evaluate and improve function in patients.
Dr. Daniel Levy-Bercowski received the Outstanding Faculty Award for the College of Dental Medicine for his work with orthodontics and the GRU craniofacial team. He continues to contribute to the scientific community with his literature and work.
Dr. Carlos Isales-Forsythe received the Outstanding Faculty Award for the College of Graduate Studies for his research with the National Institute of Aging Program Project. His research has opened a new avenue of study in bone biology and has resulted in 100 peer-reviewed articles.
Dr. Saundra Turner received the Outstanding Faculty Award for the College of Nursing for her work with the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and the development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. She has also served on multiple committees and started a free clinic in conjunction with the College of Nursing.
Jeffrey Heck received the Outstanding Faculty Award for the Library for his work with the University Senate, various consolidation efforts and his work with the University Artifacts Committee. He serves as the Assistant Director of Libraries and is Chair of the Library Assembly.
Dr. Jack Chungkai Yu received the Outstanding Faculty Award for the Medical College of Georgia. Yu directs the Craniofacial Center at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia and serves on several committees. He also excels as a surgeon, educator, scientist, and leader.
The Senate also honored retirees during the ceremony.
