By UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Highlighting Fort Hays State University’s fall convocation on Wednesday was the presentation of faculty awards. Awards included the Faculty Member of the Year, John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor, and the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award.
The Faculty Member of the Year award was presented to Dr. Kim Chappell, associate professor of advanced education programs. Commerce Bank provided a $1,000 stipend for Dr. Chappell in recognition of this honor. She is known as a leader who offers unwavering support to colleagues and students and resources, training, and innovative strategies to educators nationwide.
“Dr. Chappell is a highly respected colleague and a strong advocate for principals, teachers, students, and schools statewide,” said FHSU Provost Jill Arensdorf. “Her dedication and expertise continue to inspire her invaluable contribution to the field.”
The faculty member of the year is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service.
The 2023-2024 award for scholarly activity went to Dr. Morgan Steele, assistant professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Angela Pool-Funai, associate professor of sociology. Outstanding service awards went to Ms. Robyn Hartman, associate professor of Forsyth Library, and Ms. Rekala Tuxhorn, assistant professor of social work. Dr. Gary Andersen, associate professor of advanced education programs, and Dr. Kim Chappell, associate professor of advanced education programs, were recognized for outstanding teaching.
John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor
Dr. Christy Craig, assistant professor of sociology in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology, was named the John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor. The award is named after our esteemed former colleague, Dr. John Heinrichs, who was active in all research areas.
This award recognizes faculty members’ commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. All current faculty and unclassified staff members at levels comparable to academic faculty are eligible. The awardee’s home department is provided $500 of budget funding to benefit the recipient.
Since joining FHSU in 2019, Dr. Craig has mentored numerous undergraduates, earning four URE grants and a reputation as a dedicated research mentor among students and faculty.
“Her advocacy extends to her peers, presenting on undergraduate mentorship at conferences and collaborating on related publications,” Dr. Arensdorf said. “Students praise her for balancing guidance with independence, leaving a lasting impact through her empathetic and supportive approach.”
President’s Distinguished Scholar Award
Dr. Robert Lloyd, associate professor of management, was announced as the 2024 President’s Distinguished Scholar. Dr. Lloyd has published seven articles in highly rated journals, has authored three books, and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles. In addition, he presented at international conferences.
Dr. Lloyd will receive a $1,500 check at the President’s Distinguished Scholar program later in the academic year.
The President’s Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. The evaluation of each candidate for this honor is based on an analysis of their performance in research and creative activities, service, and instruction categories. Acceptable levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award on research and creative activities.
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