Chancellor Kristin Sobolik concluded the fall semester’s first week of classes by delivering her annual State of the University Address. During her address Chancellor Sobolik recognized 19 faculty and staff members with awards recognizing their contributions to the campus in various fields.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steven J. Berberich shared details of each awardee’s accomplishments. Berberich shared that, “Universities are defined by their faculty and staff, and great universities are defined by having engaged teachers, scholars and staff who bring new energy, ideas, perspectives and partnerships to our students, to each other and to the university.”
Assistant Professor Lindsay S. Athamanah and Director of the Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education Jonathan Lidgus were awarded with the Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Award. Details on their contributions can be found below.
Lindsay S. Athamanah created the UMSL Social Peers Program, a collaborative, inclusive social program that has aimed to develop an integrated campus community and grow participants’ knowledge and understanding of disabilities. The program provides opportunities for students, both with and without disabilities, to participate in inclusive social engagements, including disability awareness and expectations training and monthly social events on and off campus. Athamanah also is actively involved in research crucial to providing a deeper understanding of the program’s impact and potential for creating a more inclusive society.
Jonathan Lidgus is a champion for equitable access to high-quality instruction, providing students who have intellectual disabilities with opportunities for independence through academics, vocations and college residential and student life. For more than 10 years, he has been instrumental in the planning and establishment of the SUCCEED Program at UMSL and its transition to the Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education. Lidgus’ work was recognized by the State of the Art Conference with the 2023 State Level Leadership Award, which is given to an individual who reflects leadership and commitment to furthering the field of inclusive higher education.
The Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes the contributions of individuals who promote Inclusive Excellence in their respective work at the institution. This award celebrates faculty and staff members who embody the university’s commitment to our core value of inclusion.
Check out the UMSL Daily article posted below to read more about the Chancellor’s State of the University Address.