The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies held its esteemed 2024 Faculty Awards Luncheon, an annual event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the exceptional contributions of its faculty members. The luncheon honored four distinguished faculty members for their achievements in publications, teaching innovation and excellence, service, and adjunct faculty performance.
Dr. Tammi Dice, Dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, opened the event with heartfelt remarks, expressing her admiration for the faculty's commitment and creativity. "It is my distinct honor to celebrate the remarkable work of our faculty, whose dedication sets high standards not only within our walls but far beyond," said Dean Dice.
The ceremony was highlighted by the presentation of four prestigious awards:
- Publications Award: Dr. Justin Haegele, Professor and the Director of the Center for Movement Health & Disability, was honored for his outstanding scholarly publications. With over 245 peer-reviewed research publications, Dr. Haegele's work significantly contributes to the field of adapted physical activity, particularly concerning the physical activity participation of disabled individuals.
- Teaching Innovation & Excellence Award: Dr. Jori Beck, an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, received acclaim for her excellence in teaching and innovation. Dr. Beck's work, which includes securing over $1 million in external funding and publishing extensively, focuses on clinically rich teacher education and emphasizes equity and school-university partnerships.
- Service Award: Dr. Chaniece Winfield, Assistant Professor of Human Services, was recognized for her exemplary service contributions. With over 16 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Dr. Winfield's collaborations have been instrumental in advancing the fields of human services and addiction treatment.
- Outstanding Adjunct Award: Dee Hamlet, an adjunct professor with a rich background in Fashion Merchandising and Education, was celebrated for her excellence in teaching. With a career spanning over forty years, including numerous curriculum revisions and contributions to DECA, Hamlet's impact on students and the community is profound.
The luncheon also served as an opportunity to honor retiring faculty members, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and wishing them well in their future endeavors.
ODU's Darden College of Education and Professional Studies continues to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation among its faculty and staff. "Let's carry forward this spirit into the next year and beyond," Dean Dice concluded, encouraging the community to support and recognize each other's contributions, and to submit themselves and their peers for consideration for next year’s awards.
For more information about the 2024 Faculty Awards and the recipients' achievements, please contact the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at ODU via email at dceps@eyropcar.com.