The Dean's Award of Excellence recognizes faculty and staff members who have made significant contributions to the college in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. The college is pleased to announce this year's winners and celebrate their outstanding achievements.

Brent Austin, a member of the Communication department, is the winner of the Dean's Award of Excellence in Teaching. Since joining the college in 2018, Brent has been committed to providing students with a high-quality education. He is known for his passion for the subject matter and his willingness to work with students struggling with the material. Brent's dedication to teaching is evident in his continuous curriculum development and participation in workshops to enhance his teaching skills.

Leslie Simon, a member of the Philosophy department, is the winner of the Dean's Award of Excellence in Scholarship. Leslie’s work on several major scholarly works, including an article in the prominent journal Dickens Studies Annual and her book-length manuscript on Dickens and modern mathematics, is a testament to her commitment to advancing her field of study. In addition to her own work, Leslie also engages students in research and encourages them to explore their interests in the field.

Bryan Eldredge, Chair of the Department of Languages and Cultures is the winner of the Dean’s Award of Excellence in Service. Bryan’s dedication to inclusivity and outstanding leadership has steered his department through various challenges. His work with the state’s Bridge Program for Advanced Language Learning is a notable example of his commitment to providing college-level culture classes to high school students. Bryan’s exceptional accountability and dedication to his faculty and students have earned him high regard among his colleagues.

Stephanie Vasquez, an administrative assistant in the Department of Languages and Cultures, is the winner of the Dean’s Staff Award. Stephanie’s strong leadership, excellent work ethic, and patience have made her an invaluable asset to the department. Her positive influence on faculty, students, and visiting scholars and teachers on campus and in the community has earned her respect and admiration.

We extend our congratulations to this year’s winners of the Dean’s Award of Excellence. Your contributions to the college in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service are truly remarkable. They have made a significant impact on the success of the college and the students we serve. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence inspire us all.