Distinguished faculty and staff receive cash, gifts for dedication
by Gary Frierson
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

President William Staples recognized outstanding faculty and staff with $11,000 and an assortment of other gifts at the 24th Annual Awards Presentation held April 3 in Atrium II.

Human Resources and the President's Office hosted the ceremony, which included a luncheon and drew an estimated audience of 425 people.

Recipients included three distinguished faculty, five merited staff, 63 employees honored for their years of service to the university and 11 retirees. Cash honoraria attended the distinguished faculty and the staff merit distinctions, and university monogrammed gifts were given to service recipients and retirees.

The President's Distinguished Faculty Awards for achievement in teaching, research and service highlighted the event.

"Because they [faculty] have to be nominated and selected by their peers, it's an honor," said Katherine Justice, executive director of human resources.

Dr. Margaret 'Peggy' Hill, associate professor in the School of Education, won the $5,000 award for teaching, the event's largest reward, which was ironically funded by an endowment provided by the now bankrupt Enron Corp.

"I take a lot of pride in working with the students and faculty," Hill said. "Certainly, I stand on all of their shoulders in winning this award."

Hill, a passionate proponent of literacy, plans to put the money toward her university research into the processes teachers engage in during instruction.

Dr. Bruce Palmer, professor of history, and Dr. Thomas Harman, professor and chair of computer engineering, each walked away with $1,500 awards for service and research, respectively.

"It kind of fits in very nicely, I didn't expect it but I'm very proud and glad," said Harman, who was also the 1999 distinguished teaching award recipient. "As president-elect of the faculty senate, I plan to push research opportunities for the university."

Palmer is equally busy on campus, having spent the last two years co-chairing the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Steering Committee that successfully ushered the university's accreditation reaffirmation.

The Hugh P. Avery Prize-President's Distinguished Staff Service Award honors exemplary service to the university by non-faculty. The award is categorized into four areas of merit and one overall distinction. It is chosen by a subcommittee of the University Life Committee and confirmed by the university president.

"We're looking for somebody who goes above and beyond, people who exemplify leadership," said Justice of those who win the awards. "They are involved in committee work on campus and participate in extracurricular community work." Stephen Sutton, associate dean of students, unknowingly won the distinguished staff award and $1,000 for his dedicated leadership. He was unable to accept the award at the time of the ceremony because of jury duty.

Staff Merit Awards, accompanied by $500, were awarded to runners-up in each of four categories. Carla Salter-Eaglin, a staff assistant in the Student Life Office, won for office and technical merit. Armando Paulin, grounds specialist in Facilities Management and Construction, received the award for service and crafts. Margaret Thomas, senior business coordinator in Administration and Finance, won the professional category. Rose Sklar, registrar and associate director for the Office of Enrollment Services, took home the award for administrative merit.

According to Justice, all award checks are adjusted to include taxes so winners receive the actual amount of the award.