NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s School of Education recognized faculty and staff with departmental awards. The winners were nominated and voted upon by their peers in the School of Education.
Dr. Greg Bouck, associate professor of special education, was awarded the Excellence in Inclusion Award presented to the faculty or staff member who has shown great empathy for students from all backgrounds and ability levels. Criteria includes inclusive practices in any area of operations within the school such as teaching, advising, customer service, student services, recruitment, retention, etc.
According to one nomination, “Dr. Greg Bouck embodies the spirit of the Excellence in Inclusion award. From day one, Dr. Bouck has gone above and beyond in supporting all students, helping them be successful, achieve their goals, and grow in the profession. He is a thoughtful and intentional advisor, he provides excellent customer service, he knows students by name, and he is remembered for his warm personality and his supportive teaching methods. He works hard to recruit both undergraduate and graduate students, and more importantly, his demeanor lends him success in retaining students.”
Also nominated were Dr. Amy Craig, Jodi Shirley and Mrs. Suzanne Williams.
Dr. Katrina Jordan, associate professor and director of the School, earned the Excellence in School Culture award presented to the faculty or staff member with a positive attitude who consistently models professional dispositions and who works with the faculty, staff and students of the School of Education to encourage a community of caring.
According to a nomination, “Katrina Jordan has worked tirelessly to encourage the faculty, staff and students within the SOE to create a positive culture. She models outstanding professional dispositions, and she strives for the highest level of professionalism, not only in our school, but also across campus and beyond. She has truly created a culture of caring that she continues to nurture and expand.”
Also nominated were Stephanie Anthony-Smith, Dr. Wendi O’Halloran and Jodi Shirley.
Dr. Michelle Fazio-Brunson, professor of early childhood education, earned the Excellence in Service Award presented to the faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond in the areas of university service, professional service, community service and/or service learning. According to her nomination, “Dr. Brunson has championed the Remapping the Cradle to Prison Pipeline service-learning project for many years. She has been a servant to not only NSU but also to her local, regional and statewide communities for as long as I have known her. She is always willing to serve in new capacities and has led many committees, including the Endowed Professorship committee and the School of Education Retention, Tenure and Promotion (RTP) committee, for many years.”
Also nominated were Dr. Christy Hornsby, Dr. Katrina Jordan and Kristen Walker.
Kristen Walker, academic coordinator/instructor, earned the Excellence in Recruiting and Retention Award presented to the faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond in the areas of recruitment and/or retention. According to her nomination, “Kristen is always on the road recruiting for the SOE, both at the undergrad and grad level. She advises in multiple programs at both levels as well. As the Ed Rising sponsor, she works tirelessly with our students to retain them and draw more students in. She is a kind and caring instructor who holds their feet to the fire. The students see her more as a mentor than just an instructor.”
Also nominated were Dr. Kathryn Gentry, Dr. Christy Hornsby and Dr. Wendi O’Halloran.
Information on NSU’s School of Education can be found at https://www.nsula.edu/education/.
