05/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2024 23:54
Office of Public Relations & Communications | 05/10/2024
View Faculty-Staff Recognitions photo gallery
Lipscomb University faculty and staff gathered on Thursday, April 25 in the George Shinn Center to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of the 2023-24 academic year.
"It is always a special time when we can all come together - and particularly when we are celebrating the achievements of our faculty and staff," Lipscomb President Candice McQueen said to the standing-room-only crowd. "As I look across this room today, I see the faces of men and women who each bring unique gifts to the Lipscomb community … who work diligently every day to serve students … who go the extra mile … and are committed to providing transformative experiences for our students. I see godly men and women who reflect our core values daily and are passionate about living out our mission."
"I am thankful not only for who you are but for your enthusiastic support of this university. One of our core values and something I've also challenged this community to do is to bring our best every day, to strive to be excellent in all we do, holding ourselves accountable to a high bar and working every single day to meet it because our students deserve our best. Thank you for the many ways you have invested in the lives of our students and have brought your best day in and day out. Today, we have the pleasure of recognizing several of you for exceptional achievements over the past year."
Awards and recognition include:
Read more about these grants and the research and scholarly activity these faculty will engage in this summer.
Those awarded a semester sabbatical during the next academic year include:
Outstanding teacher awards are given each spring to three full-time faculty members. Nominations are taken from department chairs and the student Academic Advisory Councils for each college. Nominees are selected from each college and three award recipients are voted on by faculty and the senior class.
Dodd Galbreath, center, winner of the 2024 Mary Morris Award for Exemplary Service to Society, with Dean Steve Joiner, left, Lois and Charlie Morris, Professor Susan Galbreath, and Alana Morris.
The Mary Morris Award for Exemplary Service to Society was established in memory of Mary Morris, faculty member in the College of Education and founder and director of the Center for Character Development at Lipscomb. This award is given to a member of the Lipscomb community who exhibits a spirit of volunteerism, engages in meaningful civic activities in the community that help spread God's light, demonstrates a commitment to Christian missions wherever they may be, advocates for Lipscomb University and exhibits vision in creating new avenues to expand Christian principles in unconventional ways.
Three years ago, Dick Cowart, chair of the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees, and his wife Becky established the Faculty Excellence Awards in honor of his mother, who was a teacher. The five award areas include business, healthcare, humanities & the arts, STEM and theology & ministry.
The Baker Award is made possible annually by Dr. Alton and Mary Baker, in appreciation of the quality education that Dr. Baker received while enrolled as an undergraduate student at Lipscomb. This $5,000 award is to be used for research that will contribute to the advancement of academic excellence and is to be awarded to a professor manifesting excellence in the classroom.
The David Laine Memorial Travel Allowance is made possible by a gift from Dr. Alton and Mary Baker, in memory of Dr. Baker's classmate David Laine. The Laine Award provides a $5,000 stipend and a full summer teaching salary to support additional study in the recipient's discipline. The Laine Award is chosen each year from submitted faculty proposals by a selection committee made up of previous recipients of the Laine and Baker awards.
President McQueen with the Beautiful Day planning team, from left, Candace Williams, Dannie Woods, Brent Roe-Hall, Haley Davis, Landon Parrish and Matt Paden.
The team that planned the third annual Beautiful Day was recognized for their tireless work to produce a memorable day for students.
The staff members presented with these awards have excelled in the performance of their duties and their personification of Lipscomb's core values.
Making a debut at this year's recognition program were several new staff awards.
Barnabas Award. This award is given to a staff member who intentionally and consistently encourages and mentors their peers. Chris Klotz, director of Spiritual Formation in Athletics
Student Flourishing Award. The recipient of this award is someone whose work in the last year has significantly impacted or improved the student experience. Suzanne Sager, associate dean of professional development engagement in the College of Business
Horizon Award. This award is given to a Lipscomb staff member whose passion for Christian education is a bright promise for the future and someone who has 1-5 years of service at Lipscomb. Tim Tate, director of IT infrastructure and operations
Leadership Award. This award is given to someone who leads their team with vision and excellence, and whose team makes a big impact on our campus. Johnathan Akin, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions
Bison Herd Award. This award is given collectively to a team that demonstrates successful collaboration as they serve our campus community. Lipscomb's ACCESS Team: Abigail Davis, McKenzie Story, D'Lanna Mason, Paige Reece and Misty Parsley
Making Fans Award. This award is given to someone who represents Lipscomb with excellence both on and off campus, connects with external stakeholders, and shares the Bison spirit with individuals and groups by engaging both on and off campus. Amy Hamar, director of the Lifelong Learning and the Senior Alumni Program
Spirit of Lipscomb Award. As you know, the Spirit of Lipscomb Award is given to a person on our campus whose demonstration of our Core Values has made an indelible mark on our campus. Janel Smith, senior publications manager in the Office of Public Relations and Communication
President's Excellence Award. This award is given to someone who brings their best every single day, and consistently goes the extra mile to make Lipscomb the best we can be. Mike Lynch, maintenance manager Service Operations Department
Award recipients were invited to a luncheon in their honor following the recognition ceremony.
- Photos by Kristi Jones