Past Recipients
2014
Dr. Rhonda Brock-Servais, Professor of English and Mr. Joshua Blakely, Associate Director for On-Campus Living are the recipients of the 2014 Inclusive Excellence Award. This award is presented annually by the Office of Disability Resources. Staff members presented the award at the 2014 Diversity Awards Banquet held in April. The banquet was hosted by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
The Inclusive Excellence Award in its third year recognizes one faculty and staff member that has made significant contributions to the campus community in the area of inclusive design and practice during the academic year. Previous recipients include Dr. Ruth Meese, Dr. Wade Edwards, and Ms. Jonnelle Davis.
Dr. Rhonda Brock-Servais has worked to promote inclusive practices within the classroom. She accomplishes this by learning, listening, and applying. In reference to inclusive practices Dr. Brock-Servais stated "I’ve learned each of these things over the years, and every year I seek to apply them, striving to increase my classroom’s inclusivity. Perhaps this is a piecemeal approach; however, I believe the focus is then where it belongs - on the students and their capacity for learning and the ways I can find to maximize that".
Mr. Joshua Blakely has worked to promote an inclusive environment within Residential & Commuter Life by helping to ensure the accessibility of the physical environment and being inclusive of a variety of learning styles. Mr. Blakely has also collaborated with the faculty members of LU@YNP to make the experience more accessible and inviting for students with disabilities. The individual nominating Mr. Blakely stated the following "Josh is willing to work with students to ensure programs sponsored by RCL are inclusive. Furthermore, Josh is always thinking about situations from multiple perspectives (including ability) and is always the first person to bring up concerns related to ability. Furthermore, Josh continues to educate himself on various issues impacting the Office of Disability Resources".
Lindsay Farrar, Director of Disability Resources commented "Both individuals have been great supporters of Disability Resources and its mission. Our office has had the opportunity to collaborate with these recipients and look forward to continuing those positive partnerships for our students."
2013
Dr. Wade Edwards, Associate Professor of French and Jonnelle Davis, Assistant Director for University Center Operations are the recipients of the 2013 Inclusive Excellence Award. This award is presented annually by the Office of Disability Resources. ODR staff members presented Dr. Edwards & Ms. Davis with the award on April 26th, 2013.
The Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes one faculty and staff member that has made significant contributions to the campus community in the area of inclusive design and practice during the academic year.
Dr. Wade Edwards has worked to promote inclusive practices through the program Project Linc (Learning in Inclusive Classrooms). This program has been successful in helping foreign language faculty work with students with disabilities. The faculty member that nominated Dr. Edwards commented that they have benefited from his experience and have a broader understanding of how to create a more inclusive learning environment.
Jonnelle Davis has been proactive in working with her student staff to make the Student Union more accessible and welcoming for all students. Jonnelle has partnered with the Disability Resources to provide student staff with accessibility training and constantly utilizes the office as a resource. The student that nominated Jonnelle commented that she constantly keeps accessibility on her mind, and has worked to make the Student Union more accessible and welcoming.
Lindsay Farrar, Director of Disability Resources commented "Both individuals have been great supporters of Disability Resources and its mission. Our office has had the opportunity to collaborate with these recipients in the past and look forward to continuing those positive partnerships for our students." This is the second year that Disability Resources has presented this award. Dr. Ruth Meese, Professor of Special Education was the first award recipient in 2012.
2012
Dr. Ruth L. Meese, Ranson Professor of Special Education is the recipient of the 2012 Inclusive Excellence Award. This award is presented annually by the Office of Disability Resources and was established during the spring 2012 semester. ODR staff members presented Dr. Meese with the award on June 1st, 2012. The award recognizes faculty and staff members that have made significant contributions to the campus community in the area of inclusive design and practice during the past academic year.
The Inclusive Excellence Award provides students with the opportunity to recognize faculty members on campus. In the nomination form for Dr. Meese the student commented that Dr. Meese is was a fierce advocate for all students regardless of ability, she strives to promote inclusive practices within the classroom, and she sincerely takes an interest in every student she teaches.
Dr. Meese has been a great supporter of Disability Resources and its mission, she has also collaborated with the office on many occasions and we consider her an important campus partner. The committee is grateful to Dr. Meese for the impact that she is having on her students and campus community in helping to promote inclusive practices.
We are excited that Dr. Meese is the first recipient of this award. It is our sincere goal to recognize members of the campus community that promote our vision and share our vision. We also want to continue to engage students in this process by allowing them to recognize faculty and staff members as well.