Faculty honored with awards, celebration

Faculty known for their commitment to students and the university received awards during a ceremony at the High Country Conference Center on April 20.

NAU President John Haeger presented the President’s Award for Faculty and Academic Professionals to Monica Brown, an associate professor of English; Gypsy Denzine, associate dean for the College of Education; and James Leve, an associate professor in the School of Music.

The three faculty members were singled out to receive the President’s Award for their exemplary contributions to the NAU mission in at least three categories: creativity in teaching, creative use of technology, advising, assessment, recruitment/retention, collaborative research, diversity and service. 

Haeger and Liz Grobsmith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, presented more than 60 awards, including faculty promotions, to those who demonstrate excellence in their profession throughout the year.

Six faculty members also were presented with the Teacher of the Year Award from their colleges and others were recognized for promotion and tenure status.

2009 Distinguished Teaching Fellows Miguel Vasquez and Laura Gray-Rosendale. Photo by Jerry Foreman

Miguel Vasquez, a professor of anthropology, and Laura Gray-Rosendale, a professor of English, also were honored as the 2009 Distinguished Teaching Fellows.

“The contributions of Drs. Laura Gray-Rosendale and Miguel Vasquez have had a sustained impact on the lives of students as well as in the life of the university,” Haeger said.

The three-year appointment recognizes the scholars’ impact on undergraduate learning and provides them the opportunity to develop and teach their “dream course.” They also become board members on the NAU Teaching Academy.

Gray-Rosendale is director of the English component for NAU’s Successful Transition and Academic Retention program, known as the STAR program, that assists nontraditional students. “Working with ‘at risk’ freshman students is the rocket fuel that ignites my passion for teaching,” Gray-Rosendale said.

Click here for a complete list of awards and promotions.