C-N honors Drs. Hypes and Hall with Distinguished and Community Service Awards

^{Carson-Newman University President Randall O’Brien congratulates Dr. Jennifer Hall, left, recipient of the school’s Community Service Award and Dr. Peggy Hypes, who was named this year’s Distinguished Faculty member. The two were recognized during the University’s Honors Convocation.}

(April 10, 2014)– Carson-Newman University honored two members of its faculty during the school’s annual Honors Convocation on Thursday, April 10. Dr. Peggy Hypes received the University’s Distinguished Faculty Award, the highest honor presented to a faculty member. Dr. Jennifer Hall was recognized as recipient of the Community Service Award.

As recipient of Carson-Newman’s Distinguished Faculty Award, Dr. Peggy Hypes earned the applause of those gathered in the sanctuary of Jefferson City’s First Baptist Church. Hypes joined the University’s faculty in 1977 and serves as professor of education.

“Our honoree has been cited as “a brilliant educator” who can make her discipline quite appealing to even non-majors,” said Carson-Newman President Randall O’Brien during the event. “(Dr. Hypes) possesses a rare passion for that discipline, as well as possessing a commitment to ensuring students are likewise dedicated to their work.”

Hypes teaches an array of undergraduate and graduate courses that includes foundational classes, methodology and special education. Along with advising students and directing admission and retention for the University’s Teacher Education Program, she has been a leading member for both SACS and NCATE reaccreditation committees.

Throughout her career she has served on and chaired several Carson-Newman committees. These include the Academic Council, Faculty Council, Appalachian Steering Committee and Gen Ed Task Force.

The Scranton, Pa., native earned her bachelor’s degree from Maryville College and her Master of Arts degree from George Washington University. She received her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Tennessee. She has also studied at the University of Maryland and the University of Hawaii.

As dedicated as she is to her students in the classroom, Hypes’ contributions are also felt beyond campus. She has consulted local School Systems and organizations on a host of topics, including gifted education and teacher education reform. Hypes is a member of Jefferson City’s First Presbyterian Church and has taught Sunday school and been involved in several youth outreach projects. She is Clerk to the Session at her church and has served in such roles as Adult Sunday school teacher, choir member, and Elder.

Hypes has two sons Eric and Josh.

Dr. Jennifer Hall serves as associate professor in Carson-Newman’s English Department, an area she joined in 2000. Recipient of this year’s Community Service Award, Hall has played a vital role for more than a dozen years in fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis research.

“(Dr. Hall) has been part of work so important that, (her) efforts and commitments will be measured over decades, scores and lifetimes,” championed O’Brien.

Hall has served on the board of directors for the Sevierville-based Cure Finders Foundation, including a two-year term as president. Cure Finders has raised over $3 million, through events like the largest sporting clays event east of the Mississippi River. Sponsored by multinational corporation Vulcan Materials, the two-day event draws some 500 participants. Hall is credited to being an advocate for directing funds raised to research.

Cure Finders has awarded large grants, including $100,000 to researchers like the University of Cincinnati’s Dr. Daniel Hassett’s work in molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology. Other Cure Finders awards include a $10,000 grant to the Boomer Esiason Foundation, with which it has been long affiliated.

Beyond valiant service to Cure Finders, Cystic Fibrosis patients and families, and the CF Foundation, Hall has also given tirelessly to the children’s program of First Baptist Church Jefferson City.

Hall earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and history from Carson-Newman in 1992, graduating magna cum laude. She received her master’s degree from Western Carolina University, followed by her doctorate from the University of Tennessee.

She and her late husband Greg have four children, Nathaniel, MacGregor, Kenneth, and Audrianna.