University recognizes accomplishments, service during Community Honors Banquet

^{Carson-Newman University Human Resources Coordinator Becky Boatright receives a congratulatory hug from President Randall O’Brien upon being named this year’s SOAR Award recipient at the University’s Community Honors Banquet. Boatright, a 30-year employee of C-N, was recognized along with several faculty and staff members during the evening’s event.}

Carson-Newman University held its annual Faculty and Staff Community Honors Banquet on Friday, April 26. The evening honors both the service and accomplishments of the C-N community. The event was held in the University’s Stokely Memorial Cafeteria.

Becky Boatright, C-N’s Human Resources coordinator, was the recipient of the 2013 SOAR Award. The honor is the highest award given to a staff member and recognizes an individual who exhibits such qualities as excellence in job performance, a positive spirit.

This year’s recipients of the Mossy Creek Teacher-Scholars Award, which includes a $2,500 grant, are Dr. Mark Borchert, chair of C-N’s Communications Department, and Lisa Flanary, assistant professor of art. Their project “Full Frame Experience: Documentary Festival Research” builds on the success of the Mossy Creek Documentary Arts Festival.

Susan Karr, instructor of biology, received The Research Award for her work with authoring an extended edition of the textbook, “Environmental Science for a Changing World.”

The Creativity Award was presented to Associate Professor of English Dr. Artress Bethany White for her contributions to a number of literary journals, as well as authoring a collection of poetry.

Dr. Nicole Saylor was named recipient of the Mentoring Award. The director of the Bonner Center was recognized for her work with developing a Federal Work Study Program, helping to recruit the inaugural class of Faith and Justice Scholars, and her involvement with C-N’s Quality Enhancement Plan, “C-Nvolved.”

The Academic Advising Award was given to Assistant Professor of Religion Dr. Chad Hartsock for his work with officiating East Tennessee high school athletics, ministry with the youth at area churches, and involvement with C-N’s first-year orientation program.

Faculty earning promotions for 2013-14 include: Dr. Sheridan Barker to professor of communication; Dr. Karen Milligan to professor of education; Dr. Shawn O’Hare to professor of English; Dr. Susan O’Dell Underwood to professor of English; Dr. Shannon Collins to associate professor of English; and Sue McBee to associate professor of nursing.

Faculty earning promotions and tenure include: Dr. Chad Airhart to associate professor of art; Dr. Hester Beecher to associate professor of marketing; Cassandra Catlett to associate professor of accounting; Dr. Elizabeth Fiske to associate professor of nursing; Carolanne Henley to associate professor of nursing; and Pamela Rogers to associate professor of nursing.

Members of C-N’s faculty receiving sabbaticals are: Dr. Wayne Ballard, associate professor of religion, for spring 2014; Dr. Victoria Barker, professor of English, for fall 2013; and Dr. David Crutchley, chair of C-N’s Religion Department, for fall 2013.

Those recognized for 10 years of service include: Shelley Ball, dean of students; Dr. Mark Borchert, chair of C-N’s Communications Department; Dr. Mark Brock, associate professor of TESL; Dr. Christine Dalton, chair of C-N’s Chemistry Department; Dr. Angela Holder, associate professor of music; Melanie Redding, director of Undergraduate Admissions; Melissa Summey, assistant director of the Center for Global Education; and Dr. Kip Wheeler, associate professor of English.

Faculty and staff earning 15-year service honors include: Pat Bivens, assistant professor of music; Peggy Dalton, director of C-N’s Health Services; Lisa Flanary, associate professor of art; Charles Key, director of publications; Libby Miller, administrative assistant to the president.

Those celebrating 20 years of service are: Dr. Mark Hussung, associate professor of music; Tammy Renalds, coordinator for deciding students and advising; and Dr. Angela Wood, interim chair of C-N’s Nursing Department.

Those recognized for 25 years of service include: Dr. Patsy Boyce, professor of biology; Nancy Farris, director of C-N’s Child Development Lab; Dr. Ernest Lee, director of C-N’s Appalachian Center; and Dr. Jean Love, associate professor of HPSS.

Those recognized for over 25 years of service include Dr. Clark Measels, director of the Ball Institute of Church Music, 30 years; and Dr. Thomas Milligan, professor of music, 35 years.