Each spring, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) gathers to honor outstanding faculty members during the Pomeroy Awards for Faculty Excellence Ceremony. Several faculty members were recognized this year for their outstanding achievements.
“Today is the day to honor faculty members who have chosen to aspire higher each day, either in the classroom with teaching, research and scholarly work within a professional discipline or serving others and our communities,” said Janet Clark, provost/executive vice president for academic affairs. “Your leadership and excellence inspire us all.”
The faculty members who were recognized this year include:
Robert Vandermolen, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics, was the recipient of the 2026 Alumni Faculty Leadership and Service Award.
“The most rewarding part of getting this award is that I was nominated for it by a student,” Vandermolen said. “They’re why we’re here.”
Keeley Cleghorn, Ph.D., assistant professor of science and math, was the recipient of both the 2026 Faculty Pomeroy Award in Teaching and the 2026 Excellence in Assessment Award.
“I was brought to tears when I heard my name, and I’m thankful that I was nominated for this award by my peers,” Cleghorn said.
Kathleen Pickrell, adjunct faculty member in the nursing department, was the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Adjunct Instructor Award.
“This is my second time getting this award (was named the first Outstanding Adjunct Instructor Award recipient in 2019), and it really validates what I do every day,” Pickrell said.
Chris Delnat, Ph.D., RN, associate professor and director of undergraduate nursing, was the recipient of the 2026 Pomeroy Award for Faculty Excellence in Scholarship.
“Excellence in scholarship is what I teach my students, and this award shows that I walk the walk,” Delnat said.
A faculty showcase was held before the awards ceremony. Faculty presented or demonstrated their favorite and practical uses of AI in the classroom or for their work, and attendees cast votes in three categories. The winners, who received a certificate and a $250 cash prize, included:
- Most Creative: Krista Cole-Furstenberg, MS, MT-BC, lecturer of music therapy
- Most Likely to Use in Class: Antonia Taylor, MA, Writing Center director and senior lecturer
- Most Innovative for Administrative Use: Meredith Williams, MBA, associate professor of business and leadership
0 Comments