Teaching and Dean’s Awards Recipients Named

At a school-wide award ceremony on May 1, faculty members Nancy Woods and Kathi White were named the 2006 recipients of the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Awards.  Staff members Steve Klapper and Mfonobong Umana and instructor Ellen M. Ray received the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) Dean’s Awards, and  two additional staff, Sharon Ennis and Ruth Hurd, received Honorable Mentions. 

The Excellence in Teaching Awards reward faculty members who stand out in their role as both teacher and mentor to students.  The Dean’s Awards are given to outstanding employees who exemplify the school’s values and set a standard of excellence in the workplace. 

Assistant Professor Nancy Woods, who received the Baccalaureate Teaching Award, “makes learning exciting, relevant, and even fun!” according to students who nominated her.  They also cited her energy, effective teaching methods, enthusiasm for the nursing profession, and the encouragement and support she gives her students.

Kathi White, associate professor, received the Graduate Teaching Award.  According to her students, White creates a challenging academic environment while exemplifying what it is to be a nursing leader.  “The words ‘leadership’ and ‘professionalism’ are simple words that encompass Dr. White’s spirit,” wrote one student.  Another commented that “lecture experiences with Dr. White have been nothing but intellectually stimulating and inspiring encounters.”

Nominators noted that Steve Klapper, Microcomputer Support Specialist II, is the “Go To Guy” for problems no one else can solve and treats everyone kindly and respectfully.  Ellen M. Ray, Clinical Instructor, was described as a model of excellence in clinical care and professional practice while sharing her knowledge of and value for diversity in the populations nurses serve.  Mfonobong Umana, Strategic Project Coordinator, is acclaimed as a cross-functional team player who goes above and beyond the requirements of her job.

Sharon Ennis, Financial Manager, and Ruth Hurd, Senior Administrative Financial Coordinator were described by a nominator as providing the highest level of excellence in their work developing and managing research and program budgets in the School of Nursing.

Senior Associate Dean Anne Belcher presented the awards, noting that “each award winner exemplifies the school’s values of responsibility, excellence, accountability, diversity, and integrity.  They serve as role models for our faculty, staff, and students and I am proud to count them among my colleagues.”