O’Neal Receives Frostburg State University President’s Distinguished Faculty Award

O'Neal Receives Frostburg State University President's Distinguished Faculty Award

Oct 10, 2024 8:15 AM

Dr. Sarah O'Neal, associate professor and director of the Children's Literature Centre (CLC) at Frostburg State University, has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the President's Distinguished Faculty Award. This award recognizes a faculty member who has provided exceptional service to the University and has advanced its mission, goals and strategic planning initiatives.

"Dr. O'Neal is an outstanding faculty member who embodies the highest standards of teaching, professional development, and service, with a commitment to excellence," said Dr. Jodi Eirich, professor in FSU's Department of Educational Professions. "I am confident that her continued contributions will enrich our institution and inspire not only faculty but future generations of scholars as well."

In her role with the CLC, O'Neal and her staff have organized several annual community events including Storybook Holiday, Harry Potter Night, Pirates Ahoy and the Spring Festival of Children's Literature. The CLC also supports the Adopt-A-School program, collaborating with local schools to help spark a passion for lifelong reading.

In its recent move to FSU's new Education and Health Sciences Center, the CLC has been able to expand outreach efforts by hosting campus visits for children, incoming Bobcats, and Leadership Allegany and Leadership Allegany Rising, all which provide an opportunity to showcase both the CLC and the University.

O'Neal also serves as the Recruitment and Retention Chair for the Department of Educational Professions, directs the F2T2 middle school camp, and is the faculty advisor for the Frostburg Student Education Association. Outside of FSU, she is the president of Alpha Delta Kappa, Phi Chapter and serves on the Frostburg First board of directors for the City of Frostburg.

In May, O'Neal accepted Allegany County's inaugural Positive People award on behalf of the CLC. "It was so wonderful that the CLC at FSU and the work we do was recognized for the positivity we share with others. Our mission to continue to build the passion for lifelong reading is always at the forefront of our events. Having the children's events we host be mentioned as part of this award cemented that children's outreach is a true hallmark of the CLC."

Pictured above: Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk, FSU President; Dr. Sarah O'Neal; Dr. Boyce Williams, Dean, FSU College of Education and Health & Natural Sciences.