Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia College of Education recognized several outstanding faculty members, an academic adviser and an Honors student at its annual Spring Celebration April 16 at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel.
Aderhold Distinguished Professor
Michael Ferrara,a professor in the department of kinesiology, received the college’s highest honor when he was named the Aderhold Distinguished Professor for exemplary contributions in teaching, research and service.
Ferrara was named a Fulbright Scholar for Teaching and Learning for 2009-10 at Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland. He received the Outstanding Educator Award from Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association in 2006. He was named a Fellow of the National Athletic Trainers Association in 2008 and the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education in 2003. The NATA recognized Ferrara with the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 2003 and with the Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 2001.
Ferrara has a diverse and rich background in athletic training. He has served on NATA’s Board of Certification since 2006. He was founding president of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy, serving from 2000-05. He has served as chair of the WFAT Task Force for NATA since 1997. He was director of medical operation for the Atlanta Paralympic Games (1995-96), and director of medical services for the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games and United States Disabled Sports Team at the World Athletics Championships (1994).
The Aderhold Distinguished Professor holds the title for one academic year and receives discretionary funds for one year, a one-time cash award, or a combination of the two. Only professors with five years or more on the UGA faculty are eligible.
Other faculty awards included:
Ira Aaron Award for Teaching Excellence
Nancy Knapp, a professor in the department of educational psychology and instructional technology, received the Ira E. Aaron Award for Teaching Excellence and Collegiality. Only full-time tenured faculty members are eligible for this award. The awardee receives an instructional grant.
Carl Glickman Faculty Fellow
Melisa Cahnmann-Taylor, an associate professor in the department of language and literacy education, received the Carl Glickman Faculty Fellow Award, which recognizes distinguished accomplishments and potential for future contributions of faculty in fulfilling the mission of the university through teaching, research and service. Awardees receive a cash award and a grant for professional development.
Russell H. Yeany Jr. Research Award
Sally Zepeda,a professor in the department of lifelong education, administration, and policy, received the Russell H. Yeany Jr. Research Award, which recognizes a tenure-track faculty member’s outstanding cumulative research. It includes a cash award and a grant for professional development.
Faculty Diversity Award
Derrick Alridge, a professor in the department of lifelong education, administration, and policy, received the Faculty Diversity Award.This award recognizes faculty members whose research, teaching and/or service promotes a more diverse local, university and/or global community.It includes a cash award.
D. Keith Osborn Award for Teaching Excellence
Mark Vagle,an assistant professor, and Betty Bisplinghoff, an associate professor, both of the department of elementary and social studies education, received the Faculty Senate D. Keith Osborn Award for Teaching Excellence. Awardees receive an instructional grant.
In other honors:
April Peters, an assistant professor in the department of lifelong education, administration, and policy, received the Outstanding Teaching Award for the university’s Honors Day on April 7.
Anna Durden, of the student services office, was named the college’s Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor. The awardee receives a cash award.
Sarah Hutcheson, of the department of communication sciences and special education, received the Outstanding Honors Student in the College of Education Award. The award includes a membership to a professional organization or a journal subscription. Hutcheson was honored at the Honors Banquet on April 7.