Chancellor Kristin Sobolik (at left) presented Chancellor’s Awards and four teaching awards to faculty and staff members including Jill B. Delston, Aimee Dunlap, Lindsay S. Athamanah, Jonathan Lidgus, David Kimball, Anita Manion, Zachary Cairns, Meghann Humphries, Daniel Gerth, Dan Grossman, Michael Nichols, David Ganz, Benard Diggs, Carolyn Ostergaard, Chris Scheetz, Bob Ell, Mitch Hess, Francesca Ferrari and Tivoli Majors. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
At the annual State of the University Address on Friday morning, Chancellor Kristin Sobolik highlighted contributions of University of Missouri–St. Louis faculty and staff.
Overall, 19 faculty and staff members received Chancellor’s Awards. Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steven J. Berberich shared details of each one’s accomplishments as Sobolik presented each of the winners with their awards at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.
“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,” Berberich said before introducing the winners.
2024 honorees include:
Gerald and Deanne Gitner Excellence in Teaching Award
Assistant Professor Jill B. Delston
Delston’s engaging and innovative approach to teaching makes her love for the field evident. She is committed to ensuring students understand concepts, using lively review sessions to encourage student participation through new and fun methods. She has arranged multiple on-campus events to give students opportunities for the exchanging of ideas and access to speakers on topics such as activism, ethics and civic engagement. Delston is very involved in the Department of Philosophy, sitting on numerous committees, and she also spearheads and chairs UMSL’s Women in Philosophy group, is the departmental organizer for Minorities in Philosophy and is a faculty advisor for the Secular Student Alliance.
Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Associate Professor Aimee Dunlap
Dunlap, the interim co-director of the Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center, has had 16 peer reviewed publications since 2018, 14 of which included UMSL students as authors. With her current grant from the USDA, she employs up to 10 undergraduates every spring to collect samples and provide community outreach to community gardens. Through her outstanding teaching methods; the research opportunities she provides for undergraduates; her commitment to mentorship; and her efforts with the CLIMB, BRIDGE and STARS programs, Dunlap continues to shape the future workforce of the future by connecting students with careers in STEM.
Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Award
Assistant Professor Lindsay S. Athamanah
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.
Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Award
Director of the Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education Jonathan Lidgus
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.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Collaborative Research and Creativity
Professor David Kimball and Assistant Professor Anita Manion
Kimball and Manion’s collaborative research focuses on how to best conduct elections and instill greater confidence in voters; their work began in 2021 with multiple presentations focused on public opinion and election administration reform. In 2022, their work expanded to examine geographic and demographic influences on campaign contributions and the impact of expanding access on voter turnout. They continued to advance our understanding of electoral institutions in 2023 by presenting work on voting centers and broader electoral reforms such as Alaska’s switch to ranked choice voting.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching to a Tenured or Tenure Track Faculty Member
Associate Professor Zachary Cairns
Cairns, the Coordinator of Music Theory Studies, brings his passion and enthusiasm for music theory to the classroom, displaying expertly executed and thoroughly researched content in relatable and down-to earth ways that excite and engage his students. He is an exceptional communicator whose knowledge in his field makes his delivery effortless, putting his students at ease while connecting them to music in new and innovative ways while maintaining a classroom environment that is welcoming to all students, regardless of their level of musical understanding. His sense of humor, his joy in teaching and his commitment to student success have made a difference in his classroom and beyond while instilling newfound respect and love for music theory.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching to a Non-Tenure Track Faculty Member
Assistant Teaching Professor Meghann Humphries
Using best practices in teaching, Humphries introduces concepts using etymology to help students of all levels understand. Her efforts help create a sense of safety and well-being for students while actively engaging them. Humphries is committed to continued development as an educator, participating in the Faculty Learning Community for STEM teachers and countless workshops. In an effort to elevate beyond her own classroom, she shares ideas with colleagues on how to produce more student-centered inclusive environments on campus. Many of her courses involve course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences. Recently her Conservation Biology students have been working in the on-campus Bellerive Bird Sanctuary, developing a conservation management plan.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service
Associate Teaching Professor Daniel Gerth
Gerth’s dedication to serving students, colleagues and alumni is unparalleled and has played a crucial role in the success of the Honors College. Gerth, the college’s director of student services and alumni relations, has been instrumental in developing a series of student success workshops that provide new honors students with important insights. He has been an important leader in developing the Opportunity Scholars Program and helped create a distinctive peer mentor program and a roster of activities that bring students together. Gerth creates a working environment that is collegial, fun and supportive. Everyone in the Honors College has been touched by his generosity, his efforts to bring levity to challenging situations and his commitment to recognizing good work.
Chancellor’s Award for Sustained Excellence in Online Teaching
Assistant Professor Dan Grossman
Grossman has consistently received the highest student evaluations of any faculty member in his department, with students commending him for being supportive, organized and engaging. He adeptly connects career opportunities, a deep understanding of consumer psychology and personal introspection in a meaningful way. Through self-reflective assignments, he encourages students to delve into abstract concepts, leaving a lasting impact long after their time at UMSL. Grossman also excels in research and service; he recently published his research in the two top consumer behavior journals earning international recognition. His enthusiasm for his field is contagious and shines through brightly in the virtual classroom.
Excellence in Research and Creativity
Professor Michael Nichols
Nichols has published 40 papers since joining UMSL in 2004. Together with his students, he has made more than 100 presentations and has given 34 invited or contributed talks around the country and internationally. Nichols is the program director for the Biochemistry and Biotechnology Program, associate director of the UMSL Center for Neurodynamics and associate chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research is making a real impact in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and his innovative way of thinking is helping to explore new modalities that may change the future of care.
Faculty Retiree of the Year
Emeritus Assistant Professor David Ganz
Ganz has been a fixture at UMSL since 1966, when he joined the faculty as an accounting instructor. He helped create and establish the department and turn it into a nationally accredited and recognized program. Known affectionately as “Mr. UMSL,” Ganz has impacted thousands of students while helping to shape the College of Business Administration with his enthusiasm as a professor, his profound connections with alumni and his contributions to the field of accounting. Ganz has contributed and offered extensive service, time and effort to all aspects of the St. Louis area, its programs, its educational opportunities, its people and its culture. His impact on the workforce, on the accounting profession and in the lives of students will carry on for generations.
Staff Retiree of the Year
Director of Millennium Student Center Benard Diggs
Diggs started his career at UMSL more than four decades ago, working his way up from the floor crew to the director of the Millennium Student Center. During his professional journey, he also pursued an educational journey at UMSL, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1994 and a master’s in 2007 before successfully defending his dissertation and graduating with a PhD in 2023. His dissertation explored the unintended consequences of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, which ruled the doctrine of separate but equal unconstitutional. Known for being calm, kind and caring, Diggs has touched thousands of lives at UMSL and has made a significant impact on St. Louis by serving in his Neighborhood Block organization, volunteering with the St. Louis Dream Center and mentoring with the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education.
Staff Excellence – Trailblazer
Optician Carolyn Ostergaard
Ostergaard excels in fostering a spirit of collaboration and open-mindedness within the College of Optometry. She regularly suggests customization options to improve vendor pricing and insurance reimbursements, enhancing both patient service and business efficiency. Her forward-thinking mindset has resulted in enhanced efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining a patient-centered philosophy. Her commitment to improving the patient experience is unwavering, often going above and beyond to help those in need find funding options. As a solution-oriented leader, Ostergaard excels at identifying problems and developing actionable strategies to overcome them. She approaches each challenge with a can-do attitude, focusing on practical, effective solutions.
Staff Excellence – Trailblazer
Director of ITS Chris Scheetz
Scheetz provides personalized responses to a wide range of technological issues and does so with transparency and urgency to rapidly meet needs. He routinely goes above and beyond to provide technological support, including with technology procurement, setting up research computers, accessing GIS software and other issues that arise with technology for teaching. He listens to feedback and tries to solve problems. His dedication impacts student success with his commitment to finding workable solutions through collaboration, researching new technologies, adapting existing processes to new more efficient methods and identifying resources.
Staff Excellence – Creator
Senior International Program Coordinator Bob Ell
Ell’s exceptional commitment to fostering inclusivity, equity and access within our campus community is evident through initiatives such as the Great Decisions Speaker Series, a collaboration between UMSL Global and the World Affairs Council of St. Louis. Under his leadership, this program has been made accessible to a global audience through online streaming, facilitating meaningful discussions on critical global issues. Ell’s coordination of diverse international-themed events and provision of passport services contribute to a welcoming environment for all. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Ell proactively joined the UMSL Staff Council’s Facilities advisory group. Through his advocacy, significant improvements have been made to the physical condition of UMSL Global’s location, ensuring it is welcoming for all members of the campus community.
Staff Excellence – Creator
Director of Student Financial Services Mitch Hess
Rising to the challenges of the bustling, complex and ever-changing field of student financial services, Hess’ unwavering commitment to integrity, respect and empowerment has transformed his department and influenced the lives of countless students. He goes above and beyond to ensure that students understand their financial options and are empowered to make informed decisions. To his colleagues, he is a mentor and coach, always ready to provide guidance and support to help staff members grow professionally. By implementing innovative processes, improving financial literacy and advocating for student needs, Hess has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of student financial services. His strategic vision and unwavering dedication have positioned the department as a model of excellence within the institution.
Staff Excellence – Positive Influencer
Director of Graduate Business Programs Francesca Ferrari
Ferrari demonstrates a unique blend of kindness, warmth and unwavering support. Her genuine care for her colleagues and students is evident in all that she does and sets a remarkable example for everyone around her. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her students have the resources, guidance and encouragement they need to excel on campus and off, helping them to become well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the business world. Her open-door policy and approachable demeanor make her a trusted mentor and advisor, always ready to offer guidance and encouragement. She has initiated several programs aimed at providing students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, from career development workshops to networking events with industry leaders.
Staff Excellence – Positive Influencer
Business Manager Tivoli Majors
Majors is an encourager who helps others and motivates them to achieve their goals, serving as a liaison and inspiring leader among staff who has mitigated difficult conversations to build goodwill. She is known for her integrity, her commitment to success and for being an authentic leader and problem-solver. Her ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions has helped her team members and colleagues find opportunities for success. Living by the mantra that ‘every challenge is an opportunity’, Majors has built a safe space for her team to learn from mistakes while building improved processes. By encouraging and uplifting others, she is contributing to their success and well-being in ways that positively impact UMSL and the community at large.
