Four colleges announce annual faculty award winners

Four faculty members in the College of Arts and Letters recently were honored for their work and received a $1,000 gift in recognition of their efforts.

Glen Sussman, chair of political science and geography, was presented the Robert L. Stern Award for Excellence in Teaching. His nomination packet referenced his enthusiasm for his subject and willingness to be innovative in the midst of the budget crisis and to encourage student participation in electoral campaigns. Sussman has taught at Old Dominion since 1992.

English professor Jeff Richards received the Charles O. and Elisabeth C. Burgess Faculty Research and Creativity Award in recognition for his national reputation as a scholar. One reviewer of Richards' work explained his relevance: "There is no doubt that he has forever changed the focus on early American literary studies." Richards has taught at Old Dominion since 1992.

Gil Crippin, adjunct professor of geography since January 2000, was recognized with the Distinguished Adjunct Teaching Award. Crippin regularly teaches undergraduate courses on campus and via TELETECHNET. Sussman, his department chair, said, "No matter how large the class, his personal touch comes across and it keeps students working as hard as they can."

Brian Payne, chief departmental adviser in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, earned the Excellence in Advising Award. The department runs four different programs, including TELETECHNET, and has nearly 400 majors. Payne has been at the university since 1996.

Jeff Mann, director of technology services, won the College Service Award, presented by the dean. Acting Dean Janet Katz credited him for his reliability, professionalism and responsiveness, and for his creation of a long-term plan and inventory for the college.

The Darden College of Education presented its Sara and Rufus Tonelson Award to Anastasia Raymer, assistant professor of early childhood, speech-language pathology and special education. The annual honor, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments in several areas, includes a small monetary award.

Raymer, along with colleagues at the University of Florida, is working on a four-year, $4 million project grant from the National Institute of Health to complete a series of studies investigating the most effective therapies for individuals with communications disorders resulting from strokes.

The College of Engineering and Technology recognized five outstanding faculty and staff in key areas.

The following awards, each of which includes a reserved parking space for one year, were presented to: Gary Crossman, associate professor of engineering technology, Excellence in Faculty Advising; Gene Hou, professor of mechanical engineering, Excellence in Industry Partnering; Karl Schoenbach, eminent scholar of electrical and computer engineering, Excellence in Research; Chantel Ross, administrative and program specialist, Excellence in Support Operations; and Charles Keating, assistant professor of engineering management, Excellence in Teaching.

The College of Sciences presented the $1,000 Gene W. Hirschfeld Award for Faculty Excellence to Alan Savitzky, associate professor of biological sciences. Savitzky, who has taught at Old Dominion since 1982, conducts research on the ecology of endangered rattlesnakes in Virginia, funded by the U.S. Navy and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.