Senators of the Undergraduate Student Government celebrated the year’s accomplishments last night by distributing faculty excellence awards before the year-end banquet.
Students vote through the senator from their college to honor their favorites and mentors with faculty excellence awards.
“I always find that these awards are among the most prestigious, since the students vote on them,” said outgoing vice president Sara Kaminski, before awards were presented.
The first award was given to David Jackson, winner for the College of Arts and Sciences. Jackson is an assistant professor of political science.
“I do believe that political science probably has something of an inside track with winning awards from undergraduate student government, given how many of you seem to have some connection with our department,” Jackson said, smiling.
Jackson thanked USG for the award, calling the University “a place that actually values teaching.”
Kenneth Snead was awarded from the College of Business Administration. Snead is an associate professor of accounting and information management systems.
For the College of Education and Human Development, Lubomir Popov was recognized with a faculty excellence award. Popov is an assistant professor of interior design.
Criminal justice faculty member, Melissa Burek, was recognized from the College ofHealth and Human Services. Burek has taught criminal justice at the University since 2003, and said she was especially proud of the award.
Part-time instructor Ryan Nowlin was awarded from the college of Musical Arts. Nowlin is staff arranger for the Falcon Marching Band.
Nowlin learned the names of the Falcon Marching Band — about 225 members — during band camp, Sen. Sarah Connelly said. Connelly is the senator for the College of Musical Arts.
Nowlin said that he has “one of the most fun jobs on campus,” and that it is “worth every extra minute.”
From the College of Technology, instructor Joe Lavalette was presented the faculty excellence award. Lavalette teaches construction management, and said he was surprised to be chosen by his students to receive the award.
“Students come at you from all different directions, this is one I didn’t expect,” Lavalette said.
After awards were given, 26 new senators were sworn-in to USG last night. Aaron Shumaker and Bernard Little were sworn in as president and vice president for next year.
