10/06/16 lds
HAYS, Kan. -- Kim Stewart, associate professor and chair of the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University, has been named to receive the Mike Neden STEM Champion Award from the International STEM Education Association.

He will receive the award at the STEM Expo Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 10 and 11, in Branson, Mo.

The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high school teachers and teacher educators who have served as champions for integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in their schools, communities, or both.

"The Mike Neden STEM Champion Award serves as a standard of excellence for individuals who promote integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics education," said Dr. Greg Farley, dean of the College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at FHSU.

Each year, the International STEM Education Association seeks out individuals who have implemented STEM programs, provided professional development, encouraged others and have been instrumental in supporting integrated STEM education.

"All recipients of this award share one very important quality. They have all taken direct action to be a true champion for STEM education that impacts all students in the classroom," said Farley.

The Neden Awards are presented annually at the international STEM education conference.

"To be named a Mike Neden STEM Champion Award recipient is to join an elite group of educational innovators," said Farley.

"We as a department are very proud of this individual and thankful for his leadership," said Eric Deneault, assistant professor of applied technology.