BY JADEN MOUNT
Wrapping up the month of October here at Fort Hays State University, three professors from three different departments won prestigious awards over the past few weeks.
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Amanda Fields won third place in (b)OINK magazine’s Flash Fiction Contest with her story “Buffalo”. The story was derived from the backstory of a novel character. She originally had it as a piece of the novel but decided to pull out rather than spend more time on the character.
“That flash fiction piece indicates that there is a deeper story [for the character],” stated Dr. Fields “It has been sitting on my computer for several years and I decided to submit it.”
For those who have read the piece and curious if there will be a continuation of the story, you will be sad to know that there is not one planned but the possibility is there.
Assistant Professor of Economics, Finance, and Accounting Dr. Cole Engel was recognized with NACADA Global Awards Program’s Outstanding Advising Award Winner in the category of Faculty Advising.
Dr. Engel had declined a video interview and was unable to respond to questions by email. In an interview with FHSU News, he stated:
“I am deeply honored by this award and incredibly humbled by the nomination letters submitted on my behalf. Ultimately, this recognition is not about my success. Rather, it is about the success of my students. Without them, my work as a university professor and academic advisor is not needed. Each day, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the next generation of talent.”
The final award during the month of October was to Dr. Rick Rochester, assistant professor of Leadership Studies. Dr. Rochester was given the Provincial Governor’s Award, also known as the Chinese Friendship Award, for his work in education at China’s Shenyang Normal University, a partner of FHSU.
“I think the award, being a domestic award here in China, will help to highlight the importance of Shenyang Normal University, Fort Hays’ partner. The name of Fort Hays will be out there a little bit more, but it will have a benefit to our partner university, which will indirectly help Fort Hays,” Dr. Rochester said in an online interview.
These awards, along with the numerous others that have been granted to fellow faculty members, speaks to the high integrity and educational ability of the faculty at FHSU.