2003-04 Faculty Award Winners
Donald Morgan Faculty Scholarship Award
This award is given to recognize faculty scholarly and research based activities in health sciences, nursing and physical therapy. The award was created and endowed by Mr. Don C. Morgan, former CEO of Harris Regional Hospital.
Dr. Scott Higgins
 Dr. Higgins joined WCU in 1981. Dr. Higgins conducts active research in the field of health administration. His latest research is the first of its kind to document the economic impact of the health care sector on a rural county (Swain).
His research will help predict and forecast real economic growth for this region and its counties for the next 5 years or more. His research and financial indicators can be used to develop initiatives for developing county strategic planning initiatives and developing initiatives for jobs and services and his research has led other counties in the area to also request such a study. Dr. Higgins teaches in health sciences and is a member of the graduate faculty.
Dr. Ann Johnson
 Dr. Johnson joined WCU in 1984. During the past five year period, Dr. Johnson has had 5 professional publications, gave 14 regional professional presentations, 8 national professional presentations, and served as a professional textbook reviewer at the request of publishing companies. She provided consultation concerning policies & procedures for a school based health clinic for grades 7-12 in Graham County, won a Vice-Chancellor’s Instructional Improvement Grant to enhance the nursing fundamentals course and laboratory, and is often sought as a legal nurse consultant. Dr. Johnson teaches in nursing, is a member of the graduate faculty, and was recently promoted to full professor.
Board of Governor’s Innovative Teaching Award
This faculty award encourages, supports, and recognizes innovative teaching. Components of innovation include advanced, progressive, original, novel, and creative teaching methods. 2 award levels are given – tenured and non-tenured.
Dr. Ann Johnson and Professor Lorene Todd (Tenured Faculty Award)
 Dr. Johnson and Professor Todd have developed a nursing preceptor education program that has been very well received locally and nationally. Thus far, they have provided the program to more than 150 registered nurse preceptors in the western North Carolina region and continue to receive requests to provide the program. Nationally their model is being used by healthcare facilities and nursing programs located in Georgia, Florida, New York, Missouri, Washington, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Alaska. Dr. Johnson and Professor Todd recently were asked to be visiting scholars at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green .
Professor Bernie Dougherty (Non-Tenured Faculty Award)
 Professor Dougherty joined the faculty at WCU in 2001 following a very successful career with the Federal government. Much of his career was spent abroad overseeing US embassy security in various locations. Following the tragic events of 9/11, he was asked to create an emergency management degree program. WCU is now one of only 10 universities in the nation to have such a program. Due to strong interest and requests, he is currently working to provide this degree program via distance education format.
College of Applied Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award
This award encourages, supports, and recognizes superior teaching.
Departmental Awards
 Criminal Justice
Professor Bernie Dougherty
Professor Dougherty joined the faculty at WCU in 2001.
According to students, .. “Professor Dougherty makes the Criminal Justice system come alive with his controversial discussions and real life examples from his many years of experience". According to Profesor Dougherty.. “his ability to create an environment that motivates and encourages student learning is based on the process of critical thinking as illustrated by the drama of real-life situations…...nothing is black and white."
 Engineering Technology
Dr. Aaron Ball
Dr. Ball joined the faculty at WCU in 1977.
Students report that.."Dr. Ball will go the extra mile to ensure that students "Get it" in both lecture and lab settings. According to Dr. Ball "to be a good teacher, one must remain
a good student for life"
 Health Sciences
Dr. Michael Hubble
Dr. Hubble joined the faculty at WCU 1993.
Students report that ..."Dr. Hubble is an exceptional teacher using state-of-the-art distance learning and on campus Web CT technology. His students comment on his ability to teach EMS technology as applied in the classroom. According to Dr. Hubble…. " Good teaching, clinical practice, and research are inseparable.
 Hospitality, Tourism, Interior Design
Professor Sandy Grunwell
Professor Grunwell joined the faculty at WCU in 1983.
Students report that.. “she presents herself well in class and is very organized and professional" She always goes above and beyond her duty when serving as an advisor to students”. According to Professor Grunwell, “Successful teaching is about connecting with students, and developing in them the desire and the capability to pursue life-long learning so they will continue to be confident in their abilities and competent in their chosen career."
 Nursing
Dr. Judy Mallory
Dr. Mallory joined the faculty at WCU in 1998.
Students report that..."Dr,Mallory shows exceptional interest in her students and in their growth as future nurses but more importantly, in their growth as humanitarians and confident women." According to Dr. Mallory…...Teaching involves interaction between the teacher and the learner, including getting comfortable with the learning environment."
 Physical Therapy
Dr. Kathy Starr
Dr. Starr joined the faculty at WCU in 1996.
Students report that.. Dr. Starr is so devoted to teaching!" and… "Dr. Starr is very organized and this is incredibly helpful. She is open to discuss all questions and is accessible to students. According to Dr. Starr,.." Her challenges include making human anatomy clinically relevant to PT students." She strives to instill in her students a respect for their learning environment including the donor bodies they work on throughout the year. She teaches students to honor these bodies as individuals and encourages student expressions of gratitude for this gift at the end of each year.
College of Applied Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award
 Dr. Kathy Starr
Dr. Starr was selected for the element of humanitarianism she brings to the classroom that stays with her students all of their professional careers. Dr. Starr has been nominated for teaching awards many times during her eight years of teaching at WCU and it is the colleges’ great pleasure to award her the CAS Excellence in Teaching Award for 2003-2004.
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