Celebrating excellence at UMKC: Faculty and staff awarded for service to school

UMKC’s 2012 Faculty and Staff Awards were announced last Monday at the Student Union at the fourth annual “Celebrating Excellence” luncheon, which celebrates various faculty and staff achievements.

“‘Celebrating Excellence’ showcases extraordinary individuals in the classroom and on campus who have been recognized by their peers for their exceptional work and talent,” Provost Gail Hackett said.

The 17 recipients received 18 different awards in outstanding achievements across disciplines in teaching, research, student mentoring and engagement in the classroom and in the community.

Teaching Awards:

Jared Bruce

• Chancellor’s Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching

Nancy Levit

• In recognition of receiving the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

Stephen Dilks

• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

Deepankar Medhi

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Mentoring

Regina Grindstaff

• Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

Sean O’Brien

• Elmer F.Pierson Good Teaching Award – Law

C.W. Elrod, D.M.D.

• Elmer F.Pierson Good Teaching Award – Dentistry

John Stuart Munro, M.D.

• Elmer F.Pierson Good Teaching Award – Medicine

Doranne Hudson

• Elmer F.Pierson Good Teaching Award – Business

Staff Awards:

Richie Bigham

• Human Resources Campus Collaboration Staff Award

Julie Koch

• Chancellor’s Education First Staff Award

Ann Hubbard

• Chancellor’s True Unsung Hero Staff Award

Yvonne McCommon

• Student Affairs Student Mentor Staff Award

Research Awards:

Deepankar Medhi

• N.T. Veatch Award for Distinguished Research and Creative Activity

John Q. Wang

• In recognition of receiving the Trustees Faculty Fellowship Award

Ricky Allman

• In recognition of receiving the Trustees Faculty Scholar Award

Aidan Soder

• In recognition of receiving the Trustees Faculty Scholar Award

Service/Engagement Awards:

Jannette Berkley-Patton

• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Community Engagement

Charles Wurrey

• Chancellor’s Award for Career Contributions to the University

ladams@unews.com