College of Education and Human Sciences presents 2025 faculty, staff awards

Friday, August 22, 2025

Media Contact: Kirsi McDowell | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-8320 | kirsi@okstate.edu

The Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences recognized faculty and staff who showed exemplary leadership, mentorship, research, teaching and innovation, and more on Wednesday, August 13.

There were a total of 12 awards presented — four to staff and eight to faculty, including retiring dean Jon Pedersen.

Faculty Awards

Dr. DJ McMaughan — associate professor of public health — received the Research Excellence Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated commendable achievement in research. McMaughan is also the director of the disability and wellness research collaborative, conducting research using a justice-oriented, experience-informed approach.

Dr. Lauren Amaya — teaching associate professor of nutritional sciences — received the Teaching Excellence Award in the career-track, recognizing significant and meritorious achievement in the instruction of students for a period of four or more years.

Dr. Karen Zwanch — associate professor of mathematics education — also received the Teaching Excellence Award in the tenure track.

Dr. Xuewei Chen — associate professor of community health sciences, counseling and counseling psychology — received the Marguerite Scruggs Award for Meritorious Early Career Research. Chen’s research focuses on cancer prevention and the promotion of health communication to reduce health disparities.

Dr. Susan Stansberry — professor of educational foundations, leadership and aviation — received the Graduate Faculty Excellence Award in recognition for her exemplary achievement in leadership, scholarship, professional involvement, and university and community service, especially as it relates to involvement with graduate students and contributions to graduate education.

Dr. Mike Yough — professor of educational foundations, leadership and aviation, and program coordinator of the educational psychology program — received the Global Education Faculty Excellence Award to recognize his contribution to the on-going international legacy of the university through excellence in global teaching, research and service. Yough is also the director of the Motivation in Classrooms Lab.

Dr. Aditya Jayadas — associate professor in the department of design and merchandising — received the Undergraduate Research Mentor Award, which recognizes faculty who show exceptional performance as research mentors for undergraduate students.

Dr. Jon Pedersen — dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences and professor in teaching, learning and educational sciences — was presented a  surprise honor, receiving the Leadership and Service Award recognizing his exceptional level of loyal service to the College, Oklahoma State University and broader community. He will be retiring after the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

Staff Awards

Casey Rolaff — chief aviation maintenance technician — received the Staff Mentor Award recognizing his successful mentorship and encouragement to his colleagues, helping them reach their fullest potential in the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Tom Joyce — senior academic advisor II — received the Staff Star Award to honor him as an all-around star in his department, and outside of his immediate work environment.

Lance Fortney — flight school manager — received the Morsani Staff Service Award to recognize his exceptional level of loyalty and service to the college.

Kelly Kerr — multimedia producer — received the Staff Creativity and Innovation Award in recognition of his big ideas and creative thinking that helps address challenges in the college. This award is intended to emphasize the importance of innovation, collaboration and creativity.

Story By: Annie Ross | annie.ross@okstate.edu