UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Five faculty members at Penn State Commonwealth Campuses were honored with awards at the end of the spring semester – three given by the University College for research, teaching and service, and two from the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses in recognition of innovative teaching practices to enhance student learning.
“The University College and the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses are proud to recognize these outstanding faculty members for their achievements,” said Rick Brazier, dean of University College and senior associate dean for faculty and research. “Each recipient exemplifies excellence, innovation and dedication, with contributions that enrich our students’ experiences, advance knowledge and strengthen the communities we serve.”
University College Teaching Award
Pamela Black, professor of criminal justice and social science and education discipline coordinator at Penn State Hazleton
The University College Teaching Award recognizes intellectually demanding and rigorous curriculum; innovative teaching practices that result in student engagement, student satisfaction and effectiveness in achieving desired learning outcomes; commitment to students’ academic development, intellectual growth and lifetime learning; and providing positive and lasting impact on students by promoting critical reading, thinking and writing.
University College Service Award
Kristen Pueschel, associate teaching professor of mathematics at Penn State New Kensington
The University College Faculty Service Award recognizes excellence in service in more than one category including service to the campus, service to the college, service to the University, service to the discipline and profession, service to society as a representative of the University or service to the student body through advising and student affairs activities.
University College Research Scholar Award
Jennifer Zosh, professor of human development and family studies at Penn State Brandywine
The University College Faculty Scholar Award recognizes a significant and sustained contribution of research, scholarship, and/or creative accomplishments accumulated during employment at Penn State; with undergraduate students; completed during the three previous academic years; or with a significant impact on the recipient's academic field of study.
Jack P. Royer Active and Collaborative Learning Award
Matthew Rhudy, associate professor of engineering at Penn State Berks, and Autumn Sabo, associate professor of biology at Penn State Beaver
The Jack P. Royer Active and Collaborative Learning Award from the Office of the Vice President of Commonwealth Campuses honors Commonwealth Campus faculty and staff who have made a significant effort to promote innovative teaching practices to enhance student learning. The award recognizes faculty and staff who encourage and support students to become engaged in their own learning and to achieve conceptual and applied understanding and competencies.
