01/24/24

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Faculty, staff, and students were honored Monday afternoon during the 2024 winter convocation at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

Three faculty members were selected for the faculty awards from the fall 2023 semester, one each in the areas of teaching, scholarly activity, and service. Each person receives a $500 cash award, funded through the support of Commerce Bank. In addition, the university deans provide $250 in OOE funds to the departments of the award winners.

Dr. Gary Andersen, associate professor of advanced education programs, received the Outstanding Teaching Award.

Dr. Morgan Steele, assistant professor of criminal justice, was the recipient of the Outstanding Research and Scholarly Activity Award.

The Outstanding Service Award for the fall semester went to Ms. Robyn Hartman, associate professor of Forsyth Library.

The Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award recognizes an adjunct faculty member from each of the university’s five academic colleges. Each winner receives a $500 cash award. They are:

• Dr. Jeffrey Wiggerman – College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Mr. Jordan Carlisle – Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Dr. Teresa San Martin – College of Education
• Dr. Jill Timmons – College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
• Mr. Dean Stramel – Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics

The President’s Distinguished Service Awards recognize two staff members, one from University Support Staff (USS) and one from Unclassified Professional Staff (UPS). The awards are presented for longevity, breadth of quality contributions, and the significance of their dedication and commitment to the university. Each receives a $500 cash award.

Jana Kahrs, testing coordinator in the office of testing services, was the USS winner.

Kristin Wolf, fiscal and operations manager for the office of technology services, was the UPS winner.

The Les and Elizabeth Griffin Outstanding Service Awards were presented to two staff members and two student workers in the university’s daily operations departments. Each staff winner receives a $500 cash award, and each student winner receives a $250 cash award.

Blake Weigel, skills trades supervisor for facility operation staff, received the Griffin Family Outstanding Service Award for Facility Operations-Staff. Harold Mueller, custodial services in the Memorial Union, received the Facility Operations-Student award.

Emily Knowles, assistant to the director of the Union Catering Company, was the recipient of the Outstanding Food Service-Staff award. Thet Htar Swe, was the Food Service-Student award winner.

Department Assessment Awards included:

The Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership within the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology received the Closing the Loop Departmental Assessment Award, a $2,000 award given to a department that has implemented degree program improvements.

The Department of Psychology received the Advancing Assessment Award, a $1,000 award recognizing a department that continues to improve in program assessment activities