Awards, WOF surprise part of end-of-year HHP meeting
The College of Health and Human Performance held its annual end-of-year meeting on East Carolina University Reading Day, including a surprise honor for interim dean Dr. Stacey Altman.
After the college had a chance to congratulate many people on awards and accomplishments from the 2023-24 academic year, Altman was informed of her designation as an HHP Wall of Fame inductee. HHP has been led by Altman since July 1, 2022. Her tenure will continue until June 30, when she completes her 22 years of service to ECU.
Presentations also were led by Susannah Berry, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Assessment, Dr. Eboni Baugh, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Faculty Affairs, and Dr. Joseph Lee, Associate Dean for Research. Lee displayed that the HHP active award fund balance was more than $20 million, and highlighted other research initiatives.
The following is more on the HHP end-of-year awards:
Stephanie Boyd Award for Staff Excellence
The recipient is Ms. Elizabeth Keeter. Elizabeth’s willingness to de-mystify university processes, such as Greenphire exemptions and student contracts, is unparalleled. She provides explicit instructors to ensure student contracts are processed in a timely manner, without any delays. She is also willing to always answer any questions faculty may have about grants’ expenditures and provides a friendly reminder to spend-down existing grant dollars. She is quick to respond to requests for additional information and is thorough in ensuring all loose ends are completed.
HHP Outstanding Researcher or Creative Activity Award
The recipient is Dr. Nicholas Broskey. Dr. Broskey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology with expertise in exercise physiology and the primary focus of his research is on obesity and metabolic disease prevention. Dr. Broskey has demonstrated outstanding success in obtaining external grant funding, having been awarded more than $2.5 million in grant funding while at ECU, including leading two R01 grants, one as Principal Investigator and one as Co-Principal Investigator. His research has been highly impactful on the field, and he has provided training and mentorship to more than students.
Ray Martinez Teaching Excellence Award
The recipient is Dr. Sandra Lookabaugh. Dr. Lookabaugh utilizes teaching strategies that require undergraduate and graduate students to be actively engaged in the learning process, to develop strong communication and collaboration skills, and take ownership of their learning. Her colleagues describe her teaching style as exciting and passionate. One student remarked, “Dr. Lookabaugh is not just an educator; she is a true visionary who has redefined the art of teaching throughout her innovative approaches, dedicated passion, and commitment to excellence.”
HHP Outstanding Professional Service Award
The recipient is Ms. Sue Raedeke. Ms. Raedeke’s 30-year career has been one of selfless service to the department, ECU and the community. For example, she revolutionized first aid and safety education for ECU and for the greater eastern N.C. community. In addition to providing first aid and CPR training to more than 1,200 community people, Sue has also certified many more to be trainers. As a result, the ripple effect of her service in this area can’t be overstated … she truly saves lives. At ECU, she serves on several committees that require many hours of her time.. What is most evident when reviewing Sue’s ECU service record is that she gives freely of her time, expecting nothing in return.
HHP Outstanding Undergraduate and Creative Activity Mentor Award
The recipient is Dr. Christine Habeeb. In her six years at ECU, Dr. Habeeb has mentored 34 students, including 11 students who received RCAWs totaling $14,330 in support. She was also awarded a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) grant from ECU Faculty Senate to engage undergraduate students in research mentoring. A theme across the seven student letters accompanying Dr. Habeeb’s application was her support of student engagement and productivity. As stated in one letter, “What truly sets Dr. Habeeb apart as a mentor is her unwavering dedication to her student’s success and her genuine belief in their potential. She creates an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and pursue their academic aspirations.”
#HHPExperience Student Success Award
The recipient is Ms. Jocelyn Ruffin. Ms. Ruffin serves as the Early Childhood Student Organization faculty advisor and has worked hard during the last three years to rebuild and expand the organization to reach online students. Her teaching practice has evolved to reflect that effective teaching strives to connect with and inspire students by recognizing them as unique individuals, who bring diversity of learning styles, life experiences and educational goals to the classroom. Her commitment to students is evidenced by her student letters: “It is hard to put into words, but she has this innate ability to make quite literally anything interesting. She holds class attention by interacting with us instead of just talking at us. Not only is her classroom engagement top-notch, but her ability to convey the content is really unique.”
