The Belk College of Business recently presented its annual faculty and staff awards for teaching and service.
Dr. Jennifer Troyer, associate professor of economics, received the Distinguished Scholarship Award, which is presented to a faculty member who has developed a distinguished research record and is a recognized authority in a field of study.
Dr. Troyer has made valuable contributions in the area of scholarly activity, including publication in elite journals and a strong record of successful external grant activity.
With extensive publication in top journals, shehas established herself as one of the leading experts in her discipline, health economics.Additionally, Dr. Troyer has been recognized for her scholarship by the Belk College, the university and a number of academic journals and organizations.
Dr. Cem Saydam, professor of operations management, received theExcellence in Teaching Award. Thisaward is based on teaching effectiveness as demonstrated by courses taught, curriculum development, successful use of teaching innovations, and student evaluations.
Dr. Saydamwas described by one of his nominators as a “highly effective and gifted teacher.” He has taught a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level courses. He has been a pioneer in distance learning and an active participant in global programs. Dr. Saydam's approach has been described as one of “dedication, hard work, enthusiasm, concern for students, and highest quality.” Additionally, he has worked with other faculty to share his experiences and help them improve their own performance in teaching.
Dr. Rob Roy McGregor (professor of economics) and Dr. Howard Godfrey (professor of accounting) each received the Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes the contributions of faculty members who distinguished themselves through service to the university, college or community.
Dr. McGregor was nominated for his consistent record of high quality service, including membership on many departmental committees, service as a graduate program director, leadership of a number of college committees and most significantly, service on one of the most important curriculum committees at the university level.
In addition, he is active in teaching continuing and professional education courses to industry professionals, and has served as a referee for a number of academic journals.
Dr. Godfrey was selected for his extensive service record, specifically in service and support of students. Hisefforts have produced jobs for hundreds – indeed perhaps thousands – of Belk College students over the years.Dr. Godfreytakes an active and personal role in building and strengthening relationships between the College and various professional and industry groups. Additionally, he has served as an advisor for students on the UNC Charlotte Tax Team, dedicating countless hours to preparing the students for this special learning opportunity.
Dr. Tammy Beck, assistant professor of management, received the Best Paper Award, which recognizes a published refereed journal article that makes an outstanding contribution to the academic literature.
Dr. Beck's paper, “Experiencing Rare and Unusual Events Richly: The Role of Middle Managers in Animating and Guiding Organizational Interpretation,”was published in Organization Science, which is ranked among the top journals in management by the Social Science Citation Index in terms of impact.
Jennifer Hurlbert, business analyst, was named theBelk College Staff Member of the Year. This award honors a staff member who exhibits exceptional job performance, a commitment to quality, a positive attitude, a focus on teamwork and a dedication to serve the students, faculty, staff and external constituencies of the Belk College.
Ms. Hurlbert received nominations from across the college, and from both faculty and fellow staff members alike. The nominations used terms like “outstanding attitude,” “commitment to getting the job done,” “upbeat communication style,” “smart and well respected” and “creative problem solver.”