LA&S Faculty Members Earn Praise

As the fall semester kicks off, we would like to acknowledge three faculty members whose steadfast dedication to their work and students rightfully earned them Excellence Awards from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences last spring. On May 9, 2024, at the annual LA&S Senate meeting, Dean Laura Barrett recognized:

Jessica Smeeks, Anthropology
Adam Stephens, Counselor Education
Nicola Wilson Clasby, (Writing & Rhetoric)

During the reception, both Stephens and Smeeks were honored with Teacher of the Year awards while Wilson Clasby received an Excellence in Service award.

Here’s what colleagues had to say about our award-winning faculty members.

“Jessica has proven to be an invaluable asset to our Anthropology department, demonstrating exceptional pedagogical skill and dedication,” said professor and department chair Benjamin Junge. “Her approach to teaching is characterized by a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive, engaging learning environment, encouraging critical thinking, and empowering students to take charge of their learning.”

“Adam is an incredibly talented and dedicated educator,” said counselor education professor and department chair Melanie Hill. “He invests deeply in the education, wellbeing, and success of his students. Through his dedication, innovation, and genuine care, Adam has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and has significantly contributed to the reputation of our institution as a center of excellence.”

“Nikki’s indispensable service to the writing & rhetoric program, the English department, the College, and the University is worth recognition not only for its quality, but also for the extraordinary circumstances within which it has been performed,” said associate professor and deputy chair of the English department Jackie George. “It is a job to which Nikki brings, in the words of department chair Vicki Tromanhauser, a ‘savvy and level-headed practicality’ that was appreciated during the pandemic.”

Congratulations, all, on this well-deserved recognition. Keep up the great work!