April 26, 2007
Dr. Cathy Clark of the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling models collaborative work in her teaching, professional service, and in her leadership of the College Student Development program. In this program, she extends the community of practice beyond the department and the college into work with other university agencies to provide learning experiences for students and those that they serve in the academic community. She also works with the Learning Communities Council and is working with General Studies to create the Appalachian Learning Communities Institute. She is also engaged in ongoing collaborative work with the Office of Student Development, including service on numerous committees as well as being involved in a variety of leadership activities. In the words of one nominator: “Her collaborative efforts are too numerous to mention. She has always been at the forefront of generating new ideas and seeing them through to program planning and implementation. She is able to make things happen because of her leadership skills and commitment to collaboration.
Dr. Keith M. Davis of the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling intentionally focuses on scholarship/creative achievement to contribute to the professional literature, stay abreast of current trends and practices and to represent ASU and HPC. He has authored numerous publications, including book chapters and articles, as well as mentored other colleagues and professionals through co-authorship. Since his start at ASU (2000) in HPC, he has 16 publications and five currently under review in journals representative of counseling and related areas. His scholarship extends to presentations at the international, national, state, and local levels. His expertise encompasses counseling and expressive arts. In addition to being well published, he serves on several journal editorial boards.
Dr. Kelly Clark/Keefe of the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies exemplifies the characteristics of the Reich College of Education's award for outstanding teaching. Dr. Clark/Keefe joined the RCOE faculty in 2003 and since then has distinguished herself as an outstanding teacher and mentor to graduate students. Her use of innovative teaching strategies, the depth of topics she addresses in her classes, and her unique abilities to reach and transform her students in their quest for knowledge are outstanding. One of her students wrote, "Dr. Clark/Keefe crafts her classes with intention and creativity. She designs learning experiences that are rigorous but also supportive of students as they enter unknown areas of inquiry. Her classes blend scholarly and reflective writing, collaborative projects, abundant reading, and non-traditional expressive acts. It is a joy to learn with and from her."
Mr. Ron Henries of the Department of Language, Reading, and Exceptionalities exemplifies the characteristics of the Reich College of Education's award for outstanding adjunct. Ron brings to his role as teacher and supervisor, a wealth of practical experience and knowledge in the field of education. He is a three time graduate of the university's programs, holding the B.S. in Health and Physical Education, an MA in Special Education, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration. To his credit, although retired from the public school ranks of teachers and administrators, he remains involved in education, most recently having been elected to the Watauga County School Board in 2004. Drawing upon his professional expertise and his vast experiences in the field of education, he makes certain that his students not only have the latest in practice and theory but that they also reflect upon the significance of teaching as a career. The work, for example, that his students produce in the 2800 course under his guidance could well serve as models for any introductory course in teacher education and such a quality of work signals the desire of his students to meet the high expectations he has for them.
Dr. Pam Schram of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction exemplifies the characteristics of the Reich College of Education's award for mentoring and service. She has worked tirelessly with students to provide counsel, to assist them in navigating the intricacies of the university bureaucracy, and to be their advocate. She is alert to the strengths of students and encourages them to build on their strengths and gain confidence in their abilities. She exhibits the same characteristics in mentoring new faculty, involving them in collaborative projects, helping them understand the university and its culture, and supporting them as they begin to find a niche for themselves in the college. In addition to mentoring, Pam has been very active in providing service to professional organizations, notably as a member of the Editorial Board for the American Reading Forum's Yearbook and for serving as chair of the National Council of Mathematics Professional Development and Status Advisory Committee. Pam also has been active in providing service to a number of school districts ranging from Watauga to Iredell, Alleghany to Buncombe.
