November 9, 2017

SVSU faculty awards recognize outstanding educators

The Faculty Association at Saginaw Valley State University recognized outstanding faculty members during the 32nd annual SVSUFA Faculty Awards. The awards are presented to those faculty members who have shown initiative in teaching and research as well as providing a supportive environment for their students and colleagues.

Bill Williamson, professor of professional and technical writing, received the Outstanding Mentoring Award for his efforts in assisting his fellow faculty members within the Professional and Technical Writing Department. Colleagues expressed that Williamson's support and willingness to collaborate made him someone they can rely on within the department. He remains engaged in departmental development as well as national discussions on rhetoric and communication by serving as the director of the SVSU Center for Usability Studies and Universal Design, and co-coordinator of the Usability Research Team. He also presents at several regional and national conferences.

The Outstanding Scholarship Award was granted to Jennifer Stinson, an associate professor of history. This award is given to a faculty member who has demonstrated diligence, proficiency and depth in scholarship. Stinson has invested much of her time and efforts into furthering the discussion on race, class and gender in 19thcentury America. Her unique perspective is evident in her approach to these topics, colleagues say. Stinson continues to examine the meaning of slavery and race in specific regions of the U.S. while pursuing the publication of her first book. She continues to present her ideas at conferences around the world. Two of her peer-reviewed articles have already been published in academic journals in her field.  

The Outstanding Service Award went to Blake Johnson, professor of art, for his work both on the campus of SVSU and in the surrounding community. Johnson is the founding member of SVSU's internationally acknowledged Cardinal Solutions, an organization dedicated to solving problems for local organizations. The team has quickly established a name for itself in the community, inspiring a 2-year waiting list for its services. Alongside his work with Cardinal Solutions, Johnson is an active participant in all recruiting activities associated with the Art Department at SVSU. He also volunteers his services in the community by putting on art and design workshops for local schools.

The selected faculty members were presented with their awards at the Faculty Association Banquet on Friday, Oct. 13.

A handful of high-achieving SVSU students were also awarded scholarships at the banquet.

Carmen Randall, a nursing major from Bay City; and Kristi Root, a social work major from Standish, were awarded the Chrysalis Scholarship.

Rebecca Carson, an athletic training major from Roseville; Kaylyn Schiemann, a Petoskey native in the pre-physical therapy program; and Ashley Teets, an athletic training major from Newport, were awarded the Faculty Association Endowed Scholarship.