Congratulations to the outstanding Stetson University DeLand campus faculty and staff who won awards this spring for excellence in teaching, research, creativity, scholarship, community impact and student advocacy. Warm congratulations also to this year’s Quality of Service award recipients.

The 2012 John Hague Award for Distinguished Teaching – Eugene Huskey, professor of Political Science, was honored last week by the Stetson Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa with the John Hague Award Distinguished Teaching in the liberal arts & sciences. The Hague Award, named for the late Professor Emeritus of American Studies and former Honors Program Director John Hague, is presented annually to a faculty member in Stetson’s College of Arts & Sciences. Recipients are selected by students and faculty members of Stetson’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society for the liberal arts and sciences. Read the full story about this year’s Hague Award.

The 2012 Hand Awards – This spring’s Hand Award recipients from the DeLand campus: Joel Davis, associate professor of English – Hand Award for Scholarship & Creativity; Anne Hallum, professor of political science – Hand Award for Community Impact; and John York, assistant professor of chemistry – Hand Award for Scholarship & Creativity. The Hand awards were established by Stetson College of Law alumna Dolly Hand and her husband, Homer, to applaud faculty members who are not only dedicated teachers but who also have notable achievements in scholarship or creative work in their areas of expertise and who have made a difference in their local or larger communities. This year’s awards were presented at Spring Commencement. Read the full story about this year’s Hand Awards.

The 2012 First-Year Advocate Awards – The Office of First Year and Transition Programs announced this year’s Outstanding First-Year Advocate Awards. This award recognizes faculty, staff and administrators who have gone above and beyond to ensure student success for first-year students. Congratulations to those faculty named Outstanding First-Year Advocates: T. Wayne Bailey, professor of political science; Amy Crane, adjunct professor of music; Ana Eire, professor of modern languages; Bette Heins, professor of teacher education; David Hill, associate professor of political science; Mitchell Reddish, professor of Religious Studies; Alicia Schultheis, associate professor of biology; Joshua Rust, assistant professor of philosophy; John Tichenor, associate professor of decision and information sciences; Ekaterina “Katya” Kudryavtseva, assistant professor of Art History; Bobby Andrews, admissions counselor; Rosalie Carpenter, assistant dean of students; Jack Caywood, Commons staff; Savannah-Jane Griffin, associate director of community engagement; John Moore, admissions counselor; and Lisa Rosencrans, study abroad coordinator. Read the full story and see photos.

The 2012 McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching – Terry Farrell, professor of Biology, won the William Hugh McEniry Award, the highest honor for excellence in teaching bestowed by the university on the DeLand campus. McEniry Award winners are selected by faculty and students and must be both outstanding scholars and teachers. Former Stetson President J. Ollie Edmunds established the McEniry Award in 1974 to honor William Hugh McEniry, dean of the university from the mid-1940s to 1960s. Read the full story about this year’s McEniry Award recipient.

2012 Quality of Service award winners – The Quality of Service Council annually recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves amongst the Stetson community in 10 categories. This year’s recipients were:

• Adapter of the Year – A flexible individual who adjusts quickly and readily to changes within the department due to evolving technology, new schedules, or other job responsibilities: Justin Dees, supervisor, Grounds/Pest Control, Facilities Management.
• Communicator of the Year – An individual who is able to convey information in such a clear manner that it is satisfactorily received by all segments of the Stetson community: Chris Kandus, vice president for Student Affairs.
• Mentor of the Year – An admired individual, who has supported, guided and encouraged others with their careers at Stetson: Lua Hancock, assistant provost for Student Success.
• Money Saver of the Year – An individual who has effectively reduced costs for his/her department or the university: Ben Falter, executive director of Housing & Residential Life and Office Community Standards.
• Morale Builder of the Year – A positive individual who consistently boosts the spirits of others with friendliness, enthusiasm and encouragement: Nenita Ketcham, night custodian, Facilities Management.
• Problem Solver of the Year – A solution finder; the co-worker people call when something goes wrong, or when they have a question or situation for which they don’t have an answer: Terri Richards, registrar.
• P.A.R. Award – An individual who embodies the three characteristics of this award-Professionalism, Attitude and Reliability: Leslie Perkins, production coordinator, University Marketing.
• Volunteer of the Year – An individual whose passion and actions exemplify commitment to service of others: Donna Nassick, administrative assistant to VP, University Marketing.
• Extra Mile Award – An individual who goes beyond their job description to help others when needed without complaint or expectation: Debra Jones, financial aid specialist.
• Spirit of Stetson – Chosen by council as the one employee that represents Stetson: Lena Will, campus visit coordinator, Office of Admission.

Note: Awards given at the College of Law will be featured later this week.