THIBODAUX – The Nicholls State University Division of Student Affairs honored outstanding faculty service to students at the first faculty meeting of the fall 2011 semester, conducted Thursday, Aug. 11.
The annual Apple Awards program recognizes the role of Nicholls faculty members with students outside the classroom in such areas as recruiting and mentoring students; advising student organizations; supporting student activities; and helping to shape the careers of students.
Denise Mitchell, assistant professor of nursing, was named Outstanding Faculty Adviser of a Student Organization. The award recognizes a faculty member who has given the most effective guidance to a campus organization – in Mitchell’s case, Colonels for Life, a group that promotes the value of organ-donor programs.
Jean Donegan, department head and professor of art, received the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award. The award is given to the faculty member who has contributed most to the development of students, encouraged students to pursue education in the face of hardship and gone out of his or her way to help students.
An Outstanding Faculty Merit Award was presented to Simone Camel (not pictured), assistant professor and coordinator of the dietetics program. The award recognizes faculty support of students, student activities and the mission and goals of the Division of Student Affairs.
Amanda Eymard, assistant professor of nursing, received the Outstanding Faculty Support for Student Activities Award. The award is given to the faculty member who regularly attends student performances, athletics events, honor-awards ceremonies and Greek activities; who donates time, materials or funds to support student activities; and who demonstrates other visible support for students.
An award is also given each year to the faculty member who was most often cited by graduates for playing an important role in shaping and nurturing their careers. Dr. John Lajaunie, professor of finance and economics, received the award this year for contributing to the academic success of graduates.
Recipients of the annual Apple Awards are nominated by students, faculty and staff and determined by a selection committee of student affairs staff, two students and an academic dean. The award for contributing to the success of graduates is determined by surveys sent to all graduating seniors.
