SCENARIO-PLANNING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of IT for Systems and Applications
- Assistant Director of IT for Systems and Applications / Dean
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- AP, Founder and Managing Principal, William Duff Architects ( WDA )
Amy fills multiple service leadership roles in the School. She serves as the Assistant School Director and leader of the Administrative Team, Director of the Master of Social Work program and Distance Graduate Programs, Chair of the Admissions Committee, and Chair of the Curriculum Committee. Amy is the keystone of the School, moving it forward with a clear sense of where to go and how to get there… using her effective communication skills and knowledge of colleagues' strengths to work collaboratively on challenging problems and opportunities.
Amy's curriculum redesign of the new Master of Social Work program used best practices of alignment between accreditation standards, course learning objectives, course content, and course assessment measures. A collaborative project using a Canvas assessment integration was awarded the N. Preston Davis Award for Instructional Innovation. Substantial growth in program options under her leadership has led to growth in students and a rise in the MSW program's national rankings to be among the top 15% of MSW programs at public Universities. Amy is also a leader in promoting social justice and equity, implementing a new application review process.
One of Amy's nominators wrote, "I am consistently inspired by her strong, clear leadership and her deep commitment to serving our School, our students, and the larger University."
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapy Department Head
- Professor and Department Head, Sc.D., OT / L, FAOTA, FOTARA
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- Retired Elementary School Teacher
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- CEO, AHEAD, LLC
Job Titles:
- Emerging Leader Alumna Award
Antonette is a leader in curriculum development that centers social justice and promotes diversity and cultural competency. She has designed several high-impact courses in the School of Education built on a foundation of DEIJ, including an introductory course for undergraduate aspiring teachers, and a graduate course on educational practices across the lifespan. She brings these perspectives to service at the school, college, and university levels, including her role as co-chair of the College's DEIJ committee. Antonette created Caminos, an innovative program at Fort Collins High School designed to support Latinx and Indigenous secondary students on a pathway to college engaging CSU student mentors with similar backgrounds. She is the author of numerous scholarly publications and presentations that center DEIJ in education.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapy
- Outstanding Adviser Award
During her past six years at CSU, Arlene Schmid has encouraged and inspired two Ph.D. students and 11 master's students towards completion of their research projects and degrees. Upon graduation, each of her Ph.D. students had 2-3 papers in press. Her master's students altogether have published ten articles and have given ten peer-reviewed presentations at national and international venues.
While the number of advisees and their scholarly productivity is impressive, what truly sets Arlene apart is her inclusive approach to advising students from all walks of life. She creates connections and builds communities, drawing on each individual's unique strengths and experiences. Her inclusive approach has expanded her advisees' perspectives on not only research but the whole of the occupational therapy profession.
One student wrote:" Being advised by Arlene left me with the most profound love of the program, curiosity for research, and a thirst to always continue educating myself."
Job Titles:
- Digital Media Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Professor, Executive Director, Human Performance Clinical Research Lab, and Department Head, Health and Exercise Science, First Generation
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Operations
Job Titles:
- Dean, CSU College of Business
Dean Beth Walker has demonstrated exemplary service through her understanding of the hopes and dreams of our College and her contributions that align with our College's values, needs, and culture.
Her leadership has initiated new industry partnerships between the Fermentation Science and Technology program in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Beverage Business Institute and entrepreneurship programs in the College of Business.
She also promoted a partnership between Business and Fermentation Science students to create "Stalwart Golden Ale" at Odell Brewing for the College of Business's 50 th Anniversary. In addition, she has been a meaningful advocate for the Nancy Richardson Design Center and the newly established certificate in Design Thinking.
She has fostered engagement between the RDC and the College of Business's Institute for Entrepreneurship by encouraging a Business faculty member to teach the inaugural offering of Introduction to Design Thinking. She has also collaborated on efforts to explore opportunities for the Poudre School District and the CSU teacher education program to partner on educational initiatives around design thinking.
Dean Walker has served as a terrific ambassador for the College by showcasing it to its best possible advantage while she served as Chair of the Search Committee this spring for a new College dean.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council Sustaining
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Retired Airline Chairman, President, and CEO
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Brett Fling is deeply committed to providing a challenging, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for his undergraduate and graduate students. He is known for the ability to make complex topics more accessible to students by utilizing all kinds of pedagogical techniques, from video to paired discussions to low-stakes quizzes. He finds innovative ways to illuminate how to ask and answer scientific questions by incorporating his own on-going research into the classroom. His classes have been received extremely well by students, who appreciate the focus on real-world health issues and potential solutions.
Brett brings a variety of skills to his work, but nothing tops his boundless passion and enthusiasm for teaching. He brings excitement and joy to the classroom that is evident to anyone who spends more than 30 seconds in the room.
One student wrote:" Brett Fling is a professor who is authentically invested in the success of the people around him. He is the type of person who fills a room with knowledge and enthusiasm and helps you find the intrinsic motivation for achievement."
Job Titles:
- Health and Exercise Science
Brian Butki plays a significant role in many of the outreach and service programs in the Department of Health and Exercise Science. In his 16 years serving as the director of the Youth Sports Camps and After-School Program, he has helped spread a body-positive, healthy lifestyle message to over 31,000 campers who reside not only in Colorado but throughout the U.
In 2016, Brian found the right partner to expand the YSC program to Castle Rock, Colorado, as part of CSU's move toward a regional hub there. He spent countless hours driving to Castle Rock and building relationships with local partners and students running the camps. The success of the Castle Rock program demonstrates Brian's commitment to diversity and community, his willingness to explore, and his leadership and vision for creating new opportunities for children and youth.
One nominator wrote:" Brian fully exemplifies the relationship between CSU and the surrounding community. He uses his CSU programs to create platforms for collaborating with local businesses and organizations. He truly believes in working and supporting those around him."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- President, Workplace Resource / Herman Miller
Carol Vaughan both received degrees from our college - Carol earned her bachelor's in Health and Physical Education in 1971; and Gene earned his B.S. in Health and Physical Education and Teacher Certification in 1970, followed by his master's in Physical Education two years later. The Vaughans have been supporting our college for 35 years with impactful investments in their home department of HES. Through their generosity, along with sponsorships through their company RE/MAX Alliance, Gene and Carol have been longtime sponsors of the annual Homecoming Race and have given generously to the Human Performance Clinical Research Lab and the Heart Disease Prevention Program. Perhaps some of you have taken a ride in the Re/Max hot air balloon after the race in years past! The Vaughans help underwrite the annual scholarship fund for Youth Sports Camps, helping to ensure that no child is turned away from this impactful, fitness-oriented program for youth in our community. Gene and Carol made an especially meaningful and lasting gift five years ago to dedicate the Gene and Carol Vaughan Courtyard to former HES department head, the late Gay Israel. The Vaughans continue to elevate not only our college, but our entire campus, through partnerships with Real Estate programs and Ram Athletics. Thank you, Carol and Gene - we are proud to call you Friends of our College!
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Development
Job Titles:
- Professor, Coordinator of the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor
Christine Fruhauf serves as a professor, coordinator of the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor, and director of HDFS Extension Programs. Engagement deeply and fundamentally infuses all that she does.
Christine's research program focuses on issues of family caregiving in a variety of contexts. She studies diverse experiences, such as grandparents raising grandchildren, and caregiving in vulnerable groups such as LGBT older adults. She has established herself over the past several years as a national and international expert and leader in these areas.
Her work utilizes best practices in community-engaged research, and she blends this with a strong ability to engage partners and work together to address issues in the community. She has received multiple state and national awards for her work.
Christine is active on advisory boards both locally and nationally related to aging, and she worked with community partners to launch the Larimer County Alliance for Grandfamilies in 2007. In addition, in 2016 she was asked to join the Provost's Engagement Council and has been extremely effective in adding to the dialogue on campus about engagement.
Job Titles:
- Department Head, Professor
Job Titles:
- Chairman of CM 's Professional Advisory Development Board
Clay Benson ('83) holds a Bachelor of Science in construction management from CSU. He has been a continuous supporter of both the Department of Construction Management and the College of Health and Human Sciences. He currently serves as corporate market director at Mortenson Construction in Denver and is a DBIA Designated Design Build Professional and USGBC LEED Accredited Professional.
As a longtime member and the current chair of CM's Professional Advisory Development Board, Clay has been involved with the department to help with numerous initiatives such as curriculum development and diversity-related recruitment and retention efforts. He has supported both undergraduate and graduate students by providing valuable internship opportunities. He has been instrumental in communicating the importance of the University's research mission to various external stakeholders. He has always lent a helping hand in times of critical needs. As such, he has provided invaluable service to both the department and the college.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council Sustaining
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Business Owner
Job Titles:
- Health and Exercise Science Student
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director for Remodel and Construction Services, in Facilities Management
Over the course of the past decade, Dan Kozlowski has been critical to the success of more Facilities projects in the College of Health and Human Sciences than are possible to count. Dan is the College's "go to" contact to discuss the best solutions of our design and build needs. He is a visionary in his field and is always willing to talk through our ideas, big or small, finding solutions that meet our needs and exceed expectations. From large-scale building renovations to those that involved a smaller scope and footprint, Dan has managed each with the same care, thoughtfulness, and commitment to ensuring the work is done well, on time, and on budget. More recently, Dan and his team were integral to the College's move to a hybrid online and face-to-face learning environment in the fall 2020 semester. Dan and his team worked tirelessly with the College, nights and weekends, to ensure our spaces were safe and ready.
Without Dan's leadership and willingness to go above and beyond, our college would not have been in a position to hold in-person classes in August. The College owes Dan a debt of gratitude, and we are lucky to have him in our corner, and very fortunate to be able to call Dan our friend.
This award was created to recognize those individuals who have supported the college in extraordinary ways. Jan and Bill Beitz, Volunteers and supporters of Health and Exercise Science and Design and Merchandising Bill and Jan bleed green and gold, and CHHS is fortunate to call them loyal and generous friends of our College. From the time Bill earned his business degree from CSU in 1966, he and Jan have remained involved across campus, through volunteerism, as CSU parents, by cheering on Rams athletes, and through philanthropic gifts to directly support our students. In our College alone, Jan and Bill have served as loyal sponsors of the HES Homecoming Race for over a decade. In 2007, Bill led the initiative to create the Attack Pack Scholarship Endowment in HES as way to honor a group of heart attack survivors, many of whom participate in the Adult Fitness program. Jan and Bill also donate to the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising, and Jan volunteers her time with Fashion FUNdamentals each summer, sharing her sewing skills and time with DM's STEM summer camp for underprivileged youth. When essential workers at CSU needed to be on campus at the beginning of the pandemic, Jan hand-sewed masks for CSU employees, and connected us to sewing guilds and community members in the local sewing community who joined the cause. We couldn't ask for better ambassadors for our University than Jan and Bill Beitz and I'm thrilled to honor them with the Friend of the College Award.
One student wrote, "Danielle does a great job of holding students to a high standard, communicating her expectations, but also being accommodating and understanding. She is an awesome professor to have."
Job Titles:
- Student Affairs in Higher Education Master 's Student
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council Sustaining
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Retired Sr. Vice President, Saunders Construction, Inc
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Operations
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of IT for Application Development
- Dean 's Office
As the Assistant Director of IT for Application Development, Derek has developed numerous innovative solutions. Here are a few: student teaching and admissions tracking for the Center for Educator Preparation; Occupational Therapy's Graduate Admissions system; Youth Sports Camp's platform; Construction Management's job placement program; the College's awards portal and personnel directory; a tracking application for the Assistive Technology Resource Center; and more. The utility and success of these applications are largely due to Derek's incredible technical and communication skills to work through complex business processes and ideas, and his dedication to innovation. Derek is a mentor to our student developers, fostering their personal and professional growth. His work has a positive, far-reaching impact on our faculty, staff, and students.
Job Titles:
- Dean 's Leadership Council Treasurer and Health and Exercise Science Major
Job Titles:
- Dean 's Leadership Council Secretary and Health and Exercise Science Major
The Tenure-Track Faculty Scholarly Excellence Award recognizes a faculty member, who is not yet tenured, for outstanding contributions in original and theoretical research, creative works, or other forms of scholarly endeavor. Gloria Luong, Human Development and Family Studies Although early in her career as an independent researcher, Gloria Luong has already made significant and outstanding contributions to the field of adult development and aging. Her research has greatly contributed to a more detailed understanding of adults' reactivity to daily stressors and how individuals regulate their emotions in response to them. She has also examined how social interactions and relationships change with age, and the implications of these changes for individuals' health and well-being. Her contributions have been published in the top journals of the field and in 2017, she was selected as a Butler-Williams Scholar by the National Institute on Aging. In 2018, she received a 5-year Mentored Research Scientist Development Award grant from NIH. In addition, the American Psychological Association awarded her the Springer Early Career Achievement Award. One nominator wrote: "Gloria is a very successful and immensely productive early career researcher who has contributed important insights to the understanding of adult development and aging and who will continue doing so in the future."
Gordon earned a degree in industrial-construction management in 1966. He put his education to good use over decades of leadership at Swinerton Builders. He rose through the ranks to become president and chief operating officer in 1995 until his retirement in 2008.
Gordon helped create the Swinerton Foundation and was involved with Associated General Contractors of America, The Beavers, and Construction Employers' Association of Northern California. Through these partnerships, Gordon championed investment in CSU and construction management education. Gordon and his wife, Joan, have supported the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco and the Alzheimer's Association. Together, they created the Gordon and Joan Marks Scholarship to support CSU construction management students, and have supported CM Cares as well.
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- Artist, Retired Elementary School Teacher
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor and Director for the Physical Activity for Treatment
Heather Leach serves as an assistant professor and director for the Physical Activity for Treatment and Prevention Lab. Her research focuses on the field of physical activity and cancer survivorship or "exercise oncology." Her scholarly productivity is reflected in high-impact, published manuscripts, grant proposals submitted and funded, and local, regional, and national presentations. To date, she has published 29 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, with 13 of these after her arrival at CSU in 2015. More impressively, 10 of these publications at CSU have been as first or senior author.
In addition to a thriving, extramurally funded research agenda, Heather has also translated this work into a sustainable, community-based HES outreach program called Fit Cancer. Her commitment to research and community outreach aligns closely with the mission of the College of Health and Human Sciences; "to provide transformative academic, research, and outreach programs that promote the health and wellbeing of people, their environments, and communities in which they live."
One nominator wrote: "Heather has the character, motivation, maturity, vision, and perseverance necessary to continue on the steep upward trajectory she began establishing in her very first year in the department."
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Writer and Senior Public Relations Specialist, CSU Department of Public Relations
Jeff Dodge is a stalwart partner for the College, always going above and beyond to tell our story. Jeff is a talented writer and a great listener with the ability translate the most important pieces of research grants, exhibits, engagement programs, or student experiences into compelling stories accessible to all - valuable skills for such a diverse college as Health and Human Sciences.
Jeff always makes himself available to help out no matter how busy he is. He assists with media strategy and publicity for important initiatives of the College - just a few examples include:
the Nancy Richardson Design Center,
Health and Exercise Science Human Performance Clinical Research Lab expansion,
the Ramskeller Teaching Brewery opening,
Campus Connections program recognition,
Avenir Museum exhibits,
CM Cares projects,
the School of Education School Leadership Institute,
and more. He has written many outstanding stories profiling exciting research and engagement from across our units.
When the communications team in the college was shorthanded for several months, Jeff stepped up to fill the void, volunteering on multiple occasions to take on extra writing projects or assign stories to External Relations interns. Our thanks go out to Jeff Dodge for his outstanding dedication to promoting our College's achievements.
Job Titles:
- Construction Management
- Outstanding Teacher Award
In addition to Jeff's regular 16-credit teaching load, he volunteered to teach two boot camps last year, collaborating with industry representatives to introduce students to cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, each year since 2016, he has coached two extraordinarily successful competition teams. Jeff's teaching methods ensure students grasp topics at a systems level, understanding how each component of construction machinery operates in concert to maximize overall system performance and see the big picture. Jeff's ability to develop a collaborative and supportive environment for students extends beyond the classroom, creating a thoughtful balance between a safe space and constructive criticism to spark learning. In 2015 and 2020, Jeff's students voted him teacher of the year. As well, the Associated Schools of Construction recognized him with their Outstanding Teaching Award in Region 6 in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of IT for Web and Business Systems
In her role as a non-tenure-track assistant professor, Jennifer Richards has demonstrated extraordinary commitments to scholarly excellence. She has been recognized as a scholar at both national and international levels via presenting at significant conferences and publications in high-quality scholarly journals. To date, she has published 24 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, nine of them as the first author. Her recognized standing in the field is one reason why she has had the opportunity to speak and present her original work at over 20 national and international scientific conferences.
Additionally, Jennifer has been very actively and successfully engaged in extramurally funded research. In the past two years only, she has brought in or significantly contributed to about $2 million of extramural funds, which speaks to her uncommon abilities as a scientist.
One nominator wrote:" Jennifer frequently publishes in the best academic journals in our discipline, and she is establishing herself as an independent investigator worthy of significant extramural funding."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of IT for Web and Business Systems
Jennifer Ogle has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the social psychological and cultural aspects of fashion, appearance, and the body. She dedicates her research effort to the areas of body satisfaction, the role of dress and appearance as it relates to identity, and fostering self-esteem and STEM learning among adolescent girls.
Jennifer's scholarship frequently addresses social inequities, and her research findings have contributed to the development of innovative curriculum and programming that fosters tolerance and inclusion. Outcomes from her work directly address the College's mission of improving physical, mental, and social well-being. The quality of her scholarship is exhibited through peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals and invited presentations at international conferences.
One nominator wrote:" Dr. Ogle's research ideas are fresh, her methodology innovative and impeccable, and her scholarly work sharply focused and sustained."
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Education
- Outstanding Teacher Award
Jody serves as an instructor, career development coordinator, and school district liaison in the Center for Educator Preparation - where she devotes much of her time to mentoring teacher candidates. Jody has been instrumental in delivering professional development on co-teaching to teacher candidates, cooperating teachers, student teacher supervisors, practicing teachers, and principals. She teaches courses that are integrated in the schools, such as at a STEM elementary school where her innovation for effective teaching has taken these courses to an entirely new level. Teacher candidates are now delivering a consistent math intervention, after analyzing data, and targeting their instruction to meet students' identified needs.
Jody has also integrated an online platform to engage teacher candidates with innovative tools to communicate with families, monitor student success, and build relationships with mentor teachers and peers.
One student wrote, "Jody Drager has touched my life so deeply and so personally in the past two years, and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her and with her… She always makes me feel like I'm not just a face in the classroom. I matter to her… All of her students do…"
Job Titles:
- Construction Management Student
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- Retired Educator
Job Titles:
- Larimer County Commissioner
John Kefalas, Larimer County Commissioner, has been a strong supporter of the School of Social Work at Colorado State University for more than a decade. He initially taught the advanced policy class for the MSW program, in which he brought the full force of his former role as a state legislator and his real-time policy work in action. He also generously collaborated with other policy instructors in the BSW and MSW programs to benefit all social work students. Over the years, John assisted the School in revising policy course content and served as a very important mentor to new policy instructors. His insight and patience with both students and other faculty was significant in advancing our policy curriculum overall.
John Kefalas was one of the key people who helped develop the CSU School of Social Work Advocacy Day event. Advocacy Day allows social work students at all levels to travel to the Colorado state capitol, observe legislative sessions, and meet with legislators. Students listen to hearings and dig into legislation on issues such as mental health and social justice. During the last Advocacy Day, more than 100 students attended, and multiple legislators also scheduled time to meet with students in small groups to discuss policy advocacy.
John Kefalas has also volunteered countless hours training and teaching undergraduate and graduate level social work students as a site supervisor for social work field education, or internships. John has been a consistent, collaborative, strengths-based, and thoughtful partner for students to learn how policies and policy-making can impact and support people's lives. Students have had the opportunity to learn from John through his association with local non-profits, with the Colorado House of Representatives, and with the Colorado State Senate. John continues to make a difference for students in CSU's School of Social Work today, as a field education supervisor while in his current role as a Larimer County Commissioner.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, RK Mechanical
Job Titles:
- Department Head and Professor
Job Titles:
- Adviser to the Dean 's Leadership Council
- Career Development Manager for the College
- College of Health and Human Sciences Dean 's Office
Kara Johnson serves as the Career Development Manager for the College, providing caring and impactful services to many CSU students, alumni, faculty, and instructors. She teaches cutting-edge strategies on job searches, networking, interviewing, and resume development. In addition, she conducts mock interviews with students, often the first formal interviews students have experienced.
Kara serves as a guest speaker in many of the College's senior seminars, capstones, and internship classes, providing valuable presentations and interactive sessions for students. Students report they feel much more prepared and confident in their search strategies and preparation for jobs, graduate school, or internships because of her guidance and mentorship. An instructor wrote, "Kara is compassionate, kind, and student-centered in her approach."
Kara also serves as the adviser to the Dean's Leadership Council. One member wrote, "Kara is an outstanding adviser who encourages and mentors students to grow into leaders. She sees potential in students and fosters success with her commitment, wisdom, and leadership."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- Ranch Owner and Entrepreneur
Job Titles:
- Design and Merchandising Department Head
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Development
- Assistant Director of Operations and Stewardship / Dean
Job Titles:
- IT Manager for Client Services
Job Titles:
- IT Manager for Client Services
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Development
Kiri Michell is majoring in nutrition and food science with a concentration in dietetics and nutrition management and a minor in Gerontology.
She has excelled both inside and outside the classroom during her time at CSU. She has maintained a high GPA and has worked as a research assistant in the Functional Foods and Human Health Research Laboratory since 2016.
She has volunteered with many campus and local organizations including the Larimer County Food Bank, Early Childhood Center, and FoCo Café. Her greatest service to campus, however, has been her tireless campaign to reduce food and nutritional insecurity among her fellow students.
Her sophomore year, she started a "FREEdge" program at CSU. The word is a combination of "free" and "fridge" and the FREEdge stores food in a secure location providing individuals with access to food at no cost. She has continued to lead this project and over the past year has garnered more than 700 lbs. in local produce donations and has offered six workshops that involve cooking, community resources, and tours of local farms.
In addition, Kiri has received several scholarships, including being selected as a Puksta Scholar, a merit-based scholarship program with a mission of community service and civic engagement.
One nominator wrote: "The level of commitment Kiri has to helping others through public service is truly extraordinary. She is an outstanding student and a natural leader, and without a doubt will make substantial contributions in her educational programs, community work, and career."
Job Titles:
- Design and Merchandising and Construction Management
Job Titles:
- Manager of Research Operations for the Human Performance Clinical Research Lab
Laurie serves as the Manager of Research Operations for the Human Performance Clinical Research Lab, where she oversees laboratory safety training and regulatory compliance, major facilities projects, infrastructure improvements, and security enhancements. Laurie implemented a lab-wide safety program that was adopted across the entire campus. She was recognized by CSU for her progressive work in creating a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance with regulatory agencies.
The Tenure-Track Faculty Teaching Excellence Award recognizes a tenure-track faculty member (not yet tenured) for outstanding contributions in teaching during their period of appointment at Colorado State University. The intent of the award is to recognize a newer member of the faculty who demonstrates excellence in teaching. Leah Scolere, Design and Merchandising Since she joined the faculty in 2017, Leah has significantly shaped student experiences in the Interior Architecture and Design program and strengthened program outcomes and reputation in her role as Program Coordinator. She has managed improvements to the Design Scenario experience, Internship program, and student organizations and resources. She leads program faculty meetings towards ensuring curricular outcomes align with program accreditation standards and student success. She took on responsibility for setting up the new Design Library in the Nancy Richardson Design Center, as a student-run resource that sponsors industry events. She includes the voices of underrepresented design professionals in her teaching through invited lectures, course readings, and case studies. Leah engages students in service-learning projects with the community and industry partners, such as her studio class's design of the Freeberg Family Library and Parent Resource Center in CSU's Early Childhood Center. She employed effective and creative instructional approaches that provided learning opportunities for both the students in the class and the ECC teachers participating in the visioning process. One student wrote, "There are many professors who impacted my life during my time at CSU, but none more than Dr. Scolere. She was an amazing mentor to me, and for that I can't thank her enough."
Leah embodies and strives to promote qualities of diversity, equity, and inclusion at CSU. She is a first-generation and Honors Program student who has maintained a strong GPA while pursuing a pre-health concentration.
Mentoring has been a significant part of Leah's service. As a sophomore in Key PLUS, she served as a Key Community mentor and then last year was selected for the HDFS Peer Mentoring Program. Juniors and seniors in the program volunteer to mentor first-year students, who also identify as first-generation or students of color, as they transition to College.
Leah's involvement and promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to other roles well. She served as a TA for the Cognitive and Language Development course and volunteered at the Poudre Valley Health and Family Center where she contacted patients for health screenings and provided general information about health-related topics. Additionally, she's been involved in the Black African American Cultural Center and United Women of Color. She also works as the Family Program Coordinator in Aggie Village.
In her career, Leah hopes to focus on mental health counseling, especially for those in marginalized communities.
Job Titles:
- Outstanding Teacher Award
Leann Kaiser began teaching in the School of Education in 2008. Her teaching experience includes on-campus and online instruction, which require being able to plan and facilitate courses using very different methods. Her course evaluations are among the best in the School. In a School filled with exemplary teachers, Leann stands out.
In addition to excelling in her teaching, she advises many of the Adult Education and Training Masters students, co-coordinates the program, and is involved in service at all levels.
One student wrote: "On a scale of 1-5, I would give Dr. Kaiser a 10 if I could. She is the model of an effective online course facilitator. Her support during challenging times, her encouragement throughout the semester, and her presence throughout the discussion threads made me feel like she was always thinking about ways to foster our learning. This is one of the best courses I've taken in my master's program so far, mostly because Dr. Kaiser is such as an exemplary instructor."
Job Titles:
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Public Servant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council Sustaining
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Writer and Retired Financial Advisor
Job Titles:
- Outstanding Graduate Student
Mackenzie Ferrante, a doctoral candidate, is a thoughtful and creative young scientist, who possesses exceptional potential as a future leader in the field. She is an author on four peer-reviewed publications, with three more papers under review or in preparation. She has received a national research award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Mackenzie's innovative doctoral research focuses on children's restaurant menus. She is utilizing behavioral economic strategies in a restaurant setting as well as using crowdsourcing via Amazon's Mechanical Turk to collect data for a conjoint analysis to ascertain parents' values and intended purchasing decisions from menus. She successfully led the grant writing efforts to obtain $15,000 from the department's Innovation and Research Award to fund her doctoral research. During this project, her outstanding organization, project management, and time management skills are on full display.
Further, her ability to mentor other graduate students, as well as her maturity and presentation skills within the classroom, are exceptional. She is the go-to person for graduate students in her department.
One nominator wrote:" An infectious personality, unwavering enthusiasm, unsurpassed work ethic, and a hunger to learn are all phrases that I use to describe Mackenzie. These are all the attributes that make her an excellent student and worthy of CHHS Outstanding Graduate Student Award."
Job Titles:
- President, UCHealth Greeley Hospital
Marilyn Schock earned a Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and a Master's degree of business administration from CSU and has applied her education to advance health care in northern Colorado for more than 35 years. Marilyn has held leadership roles at Banner Health and UCHealth at Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies, and now UCHealth Greeley Hospital, where she currently serves as President. Marilyn is a valued member of the CSU Occupational Therapy External Advisory Committee where she provides insights into the future direction of healthcare and advice for ensuring that CSU occupational therapy education continues to be cutting edge. We are so grateful for your partnership and guidance, Marilyn.
Job Titles:
- Retired CSU Vice President for Diversity
For decades, Mary has been a stalwart supporter of multiple CHHS initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, she was involved in the Multicultural Curriculum Infusion Project that began in 1993 and was housed in the College of Applied Human Sciences. In 2012, she was the catalyst for reimagining the Infusion Project as the Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence, which was launched with four facilitators (two of whom were in our College: David MacPhee and Louise Jennings) and which included a large number of participants from our College as well as other colleges.
As Vice President for Diversity, she also has supported applied research and community engagement that supports endeavors related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, in part to create a more inclusive campus climate and in part to promote more town-gown partnerships. She has been a stalwart and longtime friend to the College, always generous with time and effort, as she has help us on our journey to become our better selves and a more welcoming and equitable community. It is with great pleasure and respect that we award Mary Ontiveros with the inaugural Lifetime Friend of the College Award.
Job Titles:
- Acting Department Head, Associate Professor
- Construction Management
Mehmet Ozbek serves as acting department head, associate professor, graduate program coordinator, and chair of the CM Tenure and Promotion Committee, in addition to serving on many more committees at all levels.
His passion for graduate education motivated him to introduce major program changes in the CM master's degree. He also worked tirelessly to start a collaborative Ph.D. program with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and his efforts have led to increased enrollment in CM graduate programs.
In addition, Mehmet is highly regarded for his service to the construction management field, serving on the editorial board for two top journals, while continuing to be a reviewer for more than 20 journals and multiple conference proceedings. He also serves on four national committees related to construction.
Mehmet developed and volunteered to co-teach a service-learning class, which engaged at-risk, high school students for which he was recognized with two University awards. One nominator said, "Mehmet's impact on society will extend long after he retires from the field of education."
Melissa George is a passionate, innovative, and highly productive Research Scientist and the Associate Director of the Prevention Research Center. Her research program focuses on promoting health and well-being, especially mental health, for children and families.
Since arriving in 2015, she has published 16 peer-reviewed articles in excellent journals along with two book chapters. She has 10 more papers under review and multiple others in various stages of advanced preparation.
Her work has been funded by a number of grants totaling $3.4 million, including serving as PI on two competitive grants from the Colorado Health Foundation. She has also contributed significantly to the development of many tools and nonscientific publications and white papers that are accessible to schools and communities.
One nominator wrote, "Melissa's work is grounded in fundamental principles of community and social justice and she works tirelessly to support and nurture systems that address inequities for children and families based on mental health needs. She approaches all that she does from the perspective of promoting optimal health and wellbeing for all."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Health and Exercise Science
Molly Gutilla has embraced her teaching and advising roles with limitless energy. Currently, she teaches several public health courses and also serves as a faculty adviser for the MPH practicum and capstone class. Molly's teaching philosophy focuses on three key tenets: inclusion, application, and engagement. These values have guided her effort in creating a sense of belonging for all her students and bringing in examples from the field of public health practice to broaden the students' experience beyond the textbook and academic-created literature.
In addition to her academic excellence in the classroom, Molly is relentlessly committed to searching out resources to help develop her teaching style and effectiveness. In her two years on campus, she has participated in many instructional-related, professional development workshops and training. Her expertise in teaching is becoming well known across campus as she has already received over 30 invitations to be a guest lecturer.
One student wrote: "Dr. Gutilla is extremely good at making the classroom an inclusive environment for all students. Not only does she ask questions throughout the course to make sure you understand the material, but she also makes the classroom interactive, whether it be short polls or talking to one another about our ideas for a short time."
Job Titles:
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Retired Healthcare Administrator and Consultant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council Sustaining
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Professor Emerita, Food Science and Human Nutrition
Job Titles:
- Construction Management Department Head
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- Vice President of Player Development - Denver Broncos
Job Titles:
- Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Reagan is a third-year student in the Applied Developmental Science Ph.D. program and 2020-21 recipient of one of the two inaugural College of Health and Human Sciences Dean's Fellowships.
Reagan is studying mindfulness-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescents who face major stressful life experiences. Her work seeks to address critical gaps in the research. One is that behavioral interventions must be adapted to, and developed in collaboration with, communities. Reagan has taken a lead role on a study testing the implementation of a mindfulness-based intervention delivered within an after-school mentoring program, Campus Connections. This work has strong potential to inform a template for the integration of evidence-based, mindfulness interventions in a multitude of community settings.
Reagan's contributions have resulted in co-authorship on 3 published, peer-reviewed journal articles, an additional 2 first-authored articles under review, and another 6 co-authored manuscripts under review. This productivity is quite impressive, and directly reflective of her work ethic, hands-on efforts, intellect, and creativity.
Her nominators wrote, "Reagan is on the path to be an excellent, independent scientist-practitioner who will make incredibly important contributions to the field."
Rick Miranda, who served as the Colorado State University provost and executive vice president, is a long-time friend of the College, always going above and beyond to support our work. Rick is a thoughtful and creative leader, and over the years has provided guidance and resources for a vast array of initiatives. Rick collaboratively strategizes about ways to make things happen, find resources to support them, and approaches challenges with an innovative and supportive camaraderie. He is a patient mentor to many, and a tireless advocate for excellence at CSU and in the College. Rick has supported several large initiatives including, to name a few:
the Nancy Richardson Design Center,
Health and Exercise Science Human Performance Clinical Research Lab expansion,
the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging,
numerous faculty hires, promotions and retentions,
cluster hires in diversity, equity and inclusion, and in healthy aging, and
several new undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Since joining the faculty in 2019, Rick has shown unparalleled commitment to student success and development. He embodies all of the traits that we work to instill upon our students: passion, empathy, leadership, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His energy and ability to connect with students and motivate them to excel in all aspects of their personal, academic, and professional lives is remarkable.
Rick has implemented creative ideas for service learning and community engagement. For example, he developed a successful program where undergraduate students enrolled in the Theory of Health Behavior class taught group fitness to the incarcerated population at the Larimer County Community Corrections. The goal was for students to take their new knowledge regarding health behavior and actively apply it to an underserved population through regular fitness classes.
He has participated in several University service opportunities including the Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence. He is currently creating a manual of inclusive language for HES professionals, and as a result of the pandemic, he co-created a Virtual Health Educator packet with a focus on working with clients in a virtual format.
One student wrote, "Dr. Perry is by far my favorite professor I've ever had at CSU, and in all my prior schooling. He is enthusiastic about teaching, and knows how to make learning fun."
The Non-Tenure-Track Faculty/AP Scholarly Excellence Award recognizes a non-tenure-track faculty member (or Administrative Professional with a research appointment) for outstanding contributions in activities such as original and theoretical research, creative works, model development, research synthesis, policy research, and other forms of scholarly endeavor during their period of appointment at Colorado State University. Chrissy Chard, Health and Exercise Science Chrissy has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to research and scholarly activity, along with her teaching, mentoring, and engagement activities as an instructor in the School of Public Health. Her scholarly work has been focused on health promotion among youth, particularly young people of color and girls. She co-founded Smart Fit Girls, a program that promotes physical activity and positive body image and self-esteem among girls. Her achievements in research and community engagement have been supported by two competitive grants. In the past two years, she has been the PI or Co-PI on grants totaling over $200,000. To date, Chrissy has published 14 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals including several prestigious journals. She has also taken working with the community members a step further. One of her recent publications was published in the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration with nine young women as co-authors. One nominator wrote, "Dr. Chard is exceptional in a number of important ways; her many activities exemplify the idea of scholarly excellence, and I am certain she will continue her trajectory of both excellence and servant-leadership in teaching, research, service, and entrepreneurship that has characterized her career to date."
The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes a CHHS graduating senior for outstanding performance including academic achievement, leadership, research, service, and/or creative endeavors. Student must be an undergraduate student graduating in the academic year the award is bestowed (must have intent to graduate in the current academic year - Fall, Spring or Summer term). Jordan Acosta, Health and Exercise Science Jordan has made a huge impact as a student, varsity athlete, and member of the CSU community. She is a leader both on and off the field, as a starting outfielder on the softball team, and also serving as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council. She is the group's representative to the Mountain West Executive Council, where she helps make a difference in the lives of student athletes. She is also a part of the leadership team for Rambition, whose mission is to advocate for and celebrate women in sports. Jordan has acted as a catalyst for action around social justice. After last summer's unrest, she implemented a "Black Lives Matter" t-shirt campaign throughout Athletics, energizing the community. Jordan has been a high-achieving student academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the Honors Program, while taking some of the most challenging science classes in the major. She volunteers in Dr. Brett Fling's Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Laboratory, working on research projects focused on individuals with neuromuscular diseases like multiple scleroses. Jordan will continue to do research in the lab next year while she pursues her master's degree. One nominator wrote, "I have never had a more motivated, intelligent, well-rounded, bold thinker, and doer than Jordan…I am beyond impressed with her commitment, professionalism and leadership."
Sara is an Honors Program student who exemplifies academic excellence and student leadership. She stands out as a star student in design creativity and, this spring, she will graduate magna cum laude. Her study abroad semester in Florence was cut short by Covid-19, but she seized the opportunity to focus both her Honors Thesis and her degree capstone project on the implications of the pandemic for the design of interior environments, applying research-based health and well-being strategies to the design of a community center. Sara is a leader in the department, serving as an officer for two student organizations, assisting with the design of the new Textiles Lab, expanding the department's mentorship program, and completing a summer internship documenting historic buildings in Sterling, Colorado, for the department's Architectural Virtual Library.
Fluent in Spanish, Sarah Grace is an advocate for equity and inclusion, especially with Latinx groups. She serves as the Latinx program coordinator for the Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op and as an intern in the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado. In these positions, she has conducted community outreach to the Latinx community, provided bilingual services and translation for clients, and assistance with immigration issues.
On campus, Sarah Grace has been a leading advocate for social justice. In the wake of anti-Black racist incidents in the U.S., she organized the MSW Anti-Racism Action Group. This entailed marshalling fellow students to meet with the Social Work faculty and staff to create an action plan. She leads a peer group book discussion and biweekly anti-racism action items.
As a graduate research assistant, Sarah Grace has been collaborating with Dr. Elizabeth Kiehne (Kee Nee) to amplify marginalized voices in the policy sphere, with a focus on immigrant rights and immigration policies. Their collaboration has resulted in several manuscripts in progress or under review.
One nominator wrote, "Sarah Grace is a fierce advocate for the rights and protections of vulnerable or overlooked groups…She is committed to actively dedicating her life to securing a more just and equitable society."
Job Titles:
- Outstanding Graduate Student
Sarah Prendergast is considered by her nominators to be one of the top graduate students they have encountered throughout their careers. Her research is focused on resilience in high-risk families and innovative approaches to promoting family strengths and children's adjustment through policy initiatives and intervention programs.
She has a strong commitment to a career as a policy researcher, with a focus on low-income families and children who are at risk for maltreatment or limited school readiness. She has multiple research publications, all of which are in high-impact journals. She has taken a lead role in collaborating on an NIH grant that examines the long-term impact of the DARE to be You program.
In 2017, Sarah was awarded a prestigious national Doris Duke Policy Fellowship on child maltreatment, which provides support while she works on her dissertation and which links her to an important network of policy mentors.
Her nominators wrote: "Sarah is a student who has a combination of talent, passion, commitment, and motivation that inspires our confidence in knowing that she will make a difference."
Job Titles:
- Research Support Services Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Food Science and Human Nutrition
Soo's dedication to service spans program, department, college, and university levels, and includes external partners. At the college level, she has served on the curriculum committee for the past 10 years, as the chair for the past three years, working to shepherd the development and approval of new courses. Soo also served on the college's Diversity and Equity Advisory Committee for 13 years, including three years as chair. Her department service includes committee work for the Scholarship, Social, Honors Program, Awards and Recognition, and Strategic Planning and Executive Advisory Committees. Soo is co-coordinator of the Hospitality Management Program. She was the college representative to the CSU Equity and Inclusion Network, faculty representative on the Semester at Sea Advisory Committee, an editorial board member for two scholarly journals and a regular reviewer for 13 other journals.
Job Titles:
- Research Support Services Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Professor and Director - School of Education, RISE Center Scholar
Job Titles:
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Architect, and Retiree, Construction Management
Job Titles:
- Member and Adviser
- Outstanding Adviser Award
Susan Lynham serves as a faculty member and adviser for students in the Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Ph.D. Program. She cares deeply about her advisees and wants to see each person succeed. She empowers others to achieve their best and moves her advisees from a place of self-doubt to a place of self-confidence and belief in their own abilities.
Susan works as an advocate to find funding to help graduate students publish and present at conferences, and she helps students network with others in the field, positioning them for success. She knows when to lead, when to guide, and when to step away to allow one to find their own footing.
One student wrote, "Dr. Lynham is her advisees' biggest cheerleader. After some time working with Dr. Lynham, one believes they can fly, undoubtedly because they know that if they fall, she will be there to catch them."
Susana's academic and scholarly work is guided by a personal and professional commitment to just and equitable educational access for historically underrepresented groups. With dozens of publications and presentations in high impact venues, she has established a reputation as a leader in the field of Higher Education, particularly in the areas of access, equity, and college persistence for undocumented Latinx students. Her work has garnered accolades and awards from prestigious professional organizations, and she has also been recognized with awards by her colleagues at CSU.
As the Program Coordinator of the Higher Education Leadership doctoral program, she has led substantive program changes to create a social justice-centered program that has grown increasingly competitive and diverse. Susana worked with her colleagues to revise the curriculum such that all courses are built on pillars of equity, justice, and transformational leadership.
She has also made significant contributions to the promotion and enhancement of inclusion and equity in the College through her prior service as a member of the College's Diversity and Equity Advisory Committee.
One nominator wrote, "Dr. Muñoz clearly exemplifies excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion as she draws on her significant scholarship and professional experience to ameliorate inequities through social justice initiatives in the School, College, and across CSU."
Job Titles:
- Outstanding Adviser Award
A 1998 alumna of the department, Tami returned as an academic success coordinator in 2013. A mentor, leader, and educator, Tami exemplifies what it means to be an adviser at CSU who makes an impact on student success. She is unquestionably the go-to person in the department for faculty, administrators, and fellow Academic Success Coordinators. Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and do them all at a consistently high level led to her being named Assistant Director of Advising in 2017. She serves as the adviser to the HES Residential Learning Community which has more than 100 students in Corbett Hall. She organizes all aspects of recruitment, acceptance, and program planning and implementation to enhance students' sense of community and belonging.
Tami is also an integral part of the Student Success Initiatives at CSU including coordinating department efforts with faculty and the Office of Student Success. She does all of this while advising more than 240 students.
One student wrote, "Tami was the best adviser and mentor I could have had. She guided and supported me academically but also personally to be the best I can be. If it weren't for her, I may not have graduated from CSU. She was always there with arms wide open ready to help me with whatever I needed. I am beyond grateful!"
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council
- Independent Consultant, Mobility Consulting and Presentations, LLC
Job Titles:
- CSU 's Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Access
Tom has served as a key collaborator for the School of Education over the past year in order to support our work creating pathways to teaching for students at CSU. On a large scale, he works to reduce and eliminate systemic barriers to entry and retention at CSU for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. His lens, perspective, and vision have been invaluable in the advancement of our work focused on developing structures to support a long-term effort to diversify the teaching force at both the systemic and individual level. For example, during the 2019-20 academic year, Tom played a key role in supporting the Center for Educator Preparation in launching a pilot initiative to support students of color in their student teaching experience. The compliment to the systems level collaboration is Tom's commitment to individual student retention and success when students experience financial barriers or hardships.
In working with Tom, it has been striking to see how he simultaneously maintains focus on systems level change and individual student support. He is a true friend of the School of Education, the College, and an advocate for educational equity.
Job Titles:
- Communications and Marketing Specialist, Student Recruiting and Alumni Relations
Job Titles:
- Member of the Council Sustaining
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Vice President of Operations, Care Synergy
Job Titles:
- Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Tyler has distinguished himself as a researcher with extraordinarily creative work under the guidance of Dr. Brett Fling. His innovative research is identifying how the nervous system controls whole-body movement in uncertain feedback environments. He has studied how to better understand sensorimotor uncertainty using an innovative statistical approach. To this end, he has generated an entire virtual reality environment from scratch, where individuals receive real-time feedback, assessed with 3D motion capture. Tyler has received several prestigious training and dissertation awards, and he has published five peer-reviewed articles. He has presented his original work at national and international conferences. In addition, his strong commitment to mentoring resulted in two undergraduates earning Highest Honors at the annual Celebrate Undergraduate Research and Creativity Showcase.
Job Titles:
- Executive Leadership Council Sustaining Member, Retired Executive Vice President, Hensel Phelps
Job Titles:
- Outstanding Teacher Award
Wendy DeYoung has been a model of academic excellence as a teacher, adviser, and internship coordinator for the past 30 years. She is a master at stimulating student curiosity and creating a classroom atmosphere that welcomes diversity. Her inspirational teaching style, with an emphasis on engaging students in the learning process, has touched the lives of thousands of HES majors throughout the years.
In addition to excelling in her teaching, Wendy works relentlessly to find the best internship opportunities for students and equip them with tools and self-confidence to transform the future of healthcare, fitness, and wellness.
Two students wrote collectively, "Through the lessons that Wendy has taught us, and the other students that have come through her class, we are comfortable speaking for everyone that her teachings go past the classroom. Not only did we learn class material, but we have learned valuable life skills that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives."
Zara also provides invaluable assistance to the Kendall Reagan Nutrition Center and the FSHN extension team. KRNC staff members wrote collectively: "Zara is dependable, efficient, and unfailingly thoughtful. She is vital to the success of our business operations and makes outstanding contributions to the department, college, and CSU community."