College of Education and Human Sciences presents 2023 faculty, staff awards

Friday, May 19, 2023

Media Contact: Kirsi McDowell | Senior Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | kirsi@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University's College of Education and Human Sciences recognized faculty and staff excellence in service, mentorship, research, teaching, creativity, innovation and more.

In total, 13 awards from 11 categories were presented, eight to faculty and five to members of the staff. The 2023 recipients are:

Faculty Awards — 

Dr. Lucy Bailey, associate professor of social foundations in the School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Aviation, was presented the Teaching Excellence Award for unusually significant and meritorious achievement in the instruction of students for a period of four or more years. 

Since 2005, Bailey has taught a wide range of content at OSU at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has established a truly transformative learning space through her relational orientation and high academic standards, and students thrive under her instructional and advising influences.

Dr. Kat Gardner-Vandy was presented the Scruggs Award for Early Career Meritorious Research. This award recognizes faculty who, through achievements in the early stages of their careers, demonstrate outstanding potential to become distinguished faculty of the college in the future. 

An assistant professor, Gardner-Vandy joined OSU’s Department of Aviation and Space in the School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Aviation in 2017 and serves the principal investigator of a NASA Science Activation program at OSU titled "Native Earth | Native Sky." A primary focus of her scholarly work has been making connections between scholars in planetary science and those working with Native American and indigenous populations.

Dr. Julie Angle, professor of science education in the School of Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences, was presented the Leadership and Service Excellence Award for her exceptional level of loyal service to the college, OSU and broader community. 

Her passion for science and science education fuels a service record that demonstrates exemplary commitment to providing and supporting science and STEM opportunities to students and educators across the state and beyond. Angle’s extensive resume highlights her tireless contributions to the field, including service as director of the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair, held at OSU.

Dr. Jennifer Cribbs was presented the Research Excellence Award. The term research includes all scholarly, scientific, and creative activities. Cribbs is a professor of mathematics education in the School of Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences and serves as director for the school’s Center for Research on STEM Teaching and Learning. 

Cribbs has made significant contributions in the area of research and inquiry and has been successful in obtaining funding to support not only her work but also the advancement of knowledge for preservice teachers. She is notably recognized for applying what she has learned through her research career to benefit in-service secondary math and science teachers and their respective students. 

Dr. Douglas Knutson was presented the Scruggs Award for Early Career Meritorious Research, recognizing faculty who, through achievements in the early stages of their careers, demonstrate outstanding potential to become distinguished faculty of the college in the future. 

Knutson is an assistant professor in the School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology and serves as the director of the Diversity and Rural Advocacy Group (DRAG). He is extensively published and has been invited as a presenter nationally and internationally. His focus on LGLBTQ+ persons’ psychosocial needs, particularly those living in rural areas, contributes to a population greatly in need. Knutson recently achieved board certification as a counseling psychologist by the American Board of Counseling Psychology.

Dr. Aditya Jayadas, assistant professor and graduate coordinator for the Department of Design and Merchandising, was presented the Graduate Faculty Excellence Award in recognition of his exemplary achievements in leadership, scholarship, professional involvement and university and community service, especially as it relates to involvement with graduate students and contributions to graduate education. 

Jayadas has worked diligently to develop and enhance the graduate program offerings and enrollment rate of the department. He has proven to be a very strong asset to the department and is highly and equally regarded by students, staff, faculty and administrators.

Diane Limbaugh was presented with the Non-Tenure Track Teaching Excellence Award, recognizing unusually significant and meritorious achievement in the instruction of students for a period of four or more years.

Since 2006, Limbaugh has been a pillar of the apparel design and production program as a teaching instructor. Her service has included the instruction, advising and leading of numerous study away opportunities. She is well connected in the apparel industry and highly regarded by her students as a mentor during their studies and beyond.

Dr. Jill Joyce was presented the Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for her contributions in developing the next generation of scholars. The college’s Undergraduate Research Mentor Award is intended to advance undergraduate student development and support the university’s undergraduate research agenda. 

Joyce has been a tenure-track faculty member in the Department of Nutritional Sciences since fall 2018. She has a passion for mentoring undergraduate students and supporting their success when they achieve academic goals. 

Staff Awards —

Chad Marek, administrative support specialist for Academic Programs and Student Services, was presented the Staff STAR Award. Marek exemplifies the college’s mission, vision and values on a daily basis by going beyond the scope of his work. His positive attitude provides a sense of community to those he interacts with. 

Kim McCarty was presented with the Staff STAR Award. McCarty has served OSU for more than 30 years and has been a key component of the success of the College of Education and Human Sciences' NASA Education Projects office. She is known by her colleagues as being a model of hard work, discipline and attention to detail while bringing joy, laughter and sincere friendship to all of those around her.  

The Staff STAR award recognizes CEHS staff members who are considered all around stars by their department as well as those outside their immediate work group. 

Chase Cothran was presented with the Creativity and Innovation Award. Cothran is an assistant chief flight instructor in the aviation program. 

Cothran has made a significant impact on Flight Center operations, efficiency and overall excellence as the aviation program has grown. He has been instrumental in redeveloping policies, procedures and curriculum in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Toma Gaches was presented with the Morsani Staff Service Award for her exceptional level of loyal service to the College of Education and Human Sciences. This award is intended to emphasize the importance of service, leadership and commitment to OSU. 

Gaches has served the NASA Education Projects office and OSU for over 41 years. She is a wealth of knowledge to her peers and interacts with her colleagues with true kindness, unbendable discipline and the type of caring character that makes her peers want to bring their best every day.

Jonathan Myers was presented with the Staff Mentor Award for his servant leadership and helping others to achieve their goals. This award recognizes CEHS staff members who have successfully mentored and encouraged colleagues to reach their fullest potential in the College and in their career. 

Myers is passionate about assisting faculty in obtaining funding for their research, instruction and outreach projects. He is described by his peers as being a go-to guy, because of his naturally open and dependable personality and is a compassionate leader who demonstrates interest and care for those on his team.