Faculty, staff honored during luncheon

Dr. Mike Leite, professor of physical and life sciences, was recognized as the recipient of the annual Teaching Excellence Award. This is Leite’s third time winning the honor. He also won in 2001 and 2002.

Park said Leite is well-known for creating “high-impact learning experiences,” and gave credit to his work on a number of special initiatives. They include the Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geology, research trips to the active volcanoes and rain forests of Costa Rica, the study of ancient fossils at Toadstool Park and leading CSC’s P3 Team, which has examined the Chadron Creek watershed. He also has been actively involved in the faculty learning community for the new essential studies program.

“By sharing his own experiences with his faculty and colleagues, he’s extended his teaching excellence in new ways on the campus,” Park said.

The winner of the award is nominated for the Nebraska State College System’s teaching excellence award and is the recipient of $1,000 from the Chadron State Foundation. The other nominees were Augie Bruehlman, Bruce Hoem, Adam Lambert, Kim Madsen and Jamie Waldo.

Park, who announced at the luncheon that she will be retiring in May, also gave recognition to two others who will soon leave CSC. The other retirees are Dr. Lois Veath, vice president of academic affairs, and Deborah Stewart, associate professor and social work program director.

Veath, vice president for academic affairs, has had many roles in more than 30 years at the institution, serving as a science faculty member, chairwoman of the Department of Science, and dean of the former School of Arts and Science before her current role.

Stewart has served as the director of CSC’s social work program since 2006. She joined the faculty in 2003 and was the social work field director 2004-2006.

The college also presented Years of Service Awards to 29 members of the faculty and staff celebrating special anniversaries of employment. Employees who have worked at CSC for 10 years, and every five years thereafter, were given awards.

Years of Service Awards

35 Years: Tim Anderson

25 Years: Richard Bird, Max Franey, Barb Limbach, Bob McEwen, Jim Moore, Scott Ritzen, Brad Smith

20 Years: Tena Cook, Lorin Kuhnel, Wendy Waugh, Elaine Wood

15 Years: Dawn Brammer, Pam Callahan, Deb Smith, Cindi Walgren, Steve Weber

10 Years: Todd Baumann, Kim Bradley, Philip Cary, Joanne Downs, Marie Eid-Stoddard, Matt Evertson, Connie Frandson, Joel Hyer, Valinda Malone, Judy Rutter, Stefani VanVleet, Kara Vogt.