With the academic year winding down, the University Senate met Wednesday, May 27, to recognize faculty and staff excellence and move three new graduate degree programs forward in the approval process.
The creation of the new health promotion and obesity prevention program through the Clusters of Excellence Faculty Hiring Initiative is paving the way for the UO to add three new graduate programs. The Senate reviewed and recommended approval of Master of Education, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, all in prevention science and health promotion.
Joe Lowndes, chair of the Graduate Council, introduced the resolutions, which all received unanimous votes of approval. The proposals now move to the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the UO Board of Trustees for review, before receiving final consideration by the Higher Education Coordination Council.
The Senate also recognized faculty and staff award recipients for their leadership and contributions to the university.
“Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Senate leadership awards,” interim President Scott Coltrane said in a statement read by Senate President Rob Kyr. “They volunteered countless hours in service to the University of Oregon. I applaud the Senate for recognizing these extraordinary efforts and I thank you honorees for your commitment and desire to make this a wonderful place to work, learn, teach and discover.”
Miriam Bolton, administrative director in the office of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, received accolades as the recipient of the Senate Leadership and Service Award for Officers of Administration.
Journalism professor Carole Stabile received the Wayne Westling Award for her leadership on sexual assault prevention and response, including co-chairing the Senate Task Force to Address Sexual Violence and Survivor Support, among many other projects.
“Carole, you are shining a light on the path forward for all of us,” law professor John Bonine said in recognizing Stabile.
The Westling Award is named for Wayne Westling, a former professor of law, and was created in 2001 in recognition of his selfless commitment to faculty governance. It is awarded to a faculty or staff member for outstanding and long-term leadership and service to the university.
Michael Dreiling, associate professor of sociology, received the Senate Award for Shared Governance, Transparency and Trust. Johnny Earl, of campus operations, was recognized with the Senate Classified Staff Leadership Award. Dreiling and Earl were unable to attend the meeting and will be honored at a later time.
The Senate is scheduled to meet one final time June 3 before breaking for the summer. Information and agendas can be found on the Senate’s website.
- By Jen McCulley, Public Affairs Communications