Faculty members Dr. Jesse Weiss and Mr. Brett Stone, along with staff members Jeannett Willis and Heather Dickerson, took home the top awards during the University of the Ozarks Board of Trustees' Faculty and Staff Awards Banquet, held April 27 in the Rogers Conference Center.
The annual event, when the board honors the University’s employees, had a Casablanca theme this year in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Academy-Award winning film. More than 190 faculty, staff and board members, as well as their families, attended.
Heather Dickerson, Mr. Brett Stone, Dr. Jesse Weiss and Jeannett Willis were recognized for their service to the university during the Ozarks Board of Trustees’ Faculty and Staff Awards Banquet.
Weiss and Stone were honored with the 2012 Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Awards. Willis received the Alvin C. Broyles Outstanding Professional Staff Award and Dickerson was named the recipient of the Arnie G. Sims Outstanding Support Staff Award.
Weiss is an associate professor of sociology and environmental studies. His citation stated that he was valued for his "well-prepared classes that combine varied teaching strategies: lectures, Powerpoint, audiovisual materials, whole-class discussion, small-group discussion,
Socratic questioning, and examples drawn from personal experience, popular culture, and other academic disciplines. Your students say that you make them want to learn more and that you help them to think critically." Weiss was also recognized for serving as advisor for several student organizations and for his involvement on numerous campus committees.
Stone is an assistant professor of health and physical education. His citation stated that, "Your students find you enthusiastic, observant and engaging. As a scholar, you have successfully obtained major grants to support your research, made presentations at professional meetings and contributed to collaborative efforts across our community, state and nation."
Willis is the Safety, Grounds and Custodial manager for the physical plant. She was recognized for her work ethic and organizational skills. "Whether it’s personally planting flowers on the mall, organizing a campus fire drill or leading a staff that keeps the buildings clean and maintained, your efforts are admired and respected," the citation stated.
Dickerson serves as an administrative assistant in the Business Office. Her citation stated that, "Whether it’s dealing with telephone service, office supplies, or van and guest cottage scheduling, your effort to go the extra mile is much appreciated on this campus." Dickerson was also lauded for her volunteer work in coordinating the annual UOW Christmas Angel Tree Project.
Steve Edmisten, the University’s executive vice president who also leads the Advancement Office, received the third annual President’s Above & Beyond Award, which was presented by President Dr. Rick Niece.
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