USF faculty earn awards
The University of St. Francis has recognized exceptional contributions of faculty members with awards for service and scholarship, presented at the annual Academic Honors and Awards Convocation, May 5, by USF President Michael Vinciguerra.
MeShelda Jackson earned the Excellence in Teaching Award. Jackson, was recognized for "being an outstanding teacher who has an enthusiasm for learning that she transmits to her students," said Vinciguerra. She spends a tremendous amount of time outside of class working with students on projects, helping them develop their portfolios electronically and fostering their professional development to the point that they are able to present with her at national professional conferences.
Jackson uses a hands-on approach to her teaching by bringing children into the classroom so that education students can actually work on testing, diagnosing, and teaching students with special needs. She also does an excellent job of teaching through supervision of the students in their field experiences.
Jackson of Bolingbrook joined the USF faculty in 1998 and was recently promoted to associate professor of education. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University, a master’s degree from Nova University and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.
Ling-Yi Zhou received the Achievement in Scholarship Award. "While teaching with excellence and serving the institution through committee, administrative work and advising, Zhou has maintained a continuous, high-level of quality scholarship," said Vinciguerra. She incorporates her students in her research and lists students as co-authors.
Zhou has published a new entry this year in the Encyclopedia of Human Development and has had research articles published in peer-reviewed, academic journals. She was also honored by being listed in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2005, 9 th edition.
Zhou of Joliet is associate professor of psychology. She holds a M.Ed., M.A. and Ph.D. from Miami University and has worked at the University of St. Francis since 1995.
The Achievement in Service Award was presented to Salim Diab, professor of chemistry, for his extraordinary service through his leadership in initiating and implementing the Greening of the Campus. "This has moved the USF community forward in enhancing awareness of the environment by reducing waste and beautifying the campus," said Vinciguerra. "This is an initiative embedded in Franciscan values."
Diab of Joliet has worked at USF for 26 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College, a master’s degree from Wichita State University and a D.A. from the University of Illinois - Chicago.
Billie Terrell received the Student Affairs Division Above and Beyond Award "for partnering and collaborating with Student Affairs, living out the university’s values, and demonstrating a high commitment to the holistic development of students in and outside of the classroom by educating, challenging, supporting and inspiring them to enhance their growth as responsible and compassionate members of society," said Vinciguerra.
Terrell, of Shorewood, is associate professor of social work. She has worked at USF since 1993 and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis, a master’s from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Ph.D. from the Institute for Clinical Social Work. |
