College of Health and Human Development recognizes 2023 faculty, staff awardees

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Health and Human Development recognized nine employees with its 2023 Faculty and Staff Awards. These awards honor those who show outstanding achievement in leadership, research and teaching initiatives.

Carol Clark Ford Staff Achievement Award 

Emily Repka, human research technologist in the Center for Healthy Aging, received the Carol Clark Ford Staff Achievement Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a staff, clerical or technical service employee of the college who “makes it easier for others to accomplish their objectives effectively and efficiently.” The award was endowed by Donald H. Ford, dean emeritus of the former College of Human Development, in honor of his wife, Carol Clark Ford. 

Joyce Hopson-King Diversity Achievement Award 

Molly Countermine, teaching professor of human development and family studies, received the Joyce Hopson-King Diversity Achievement Award. This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has made sustained and significant contributions to fostering diversity and inclusion at Penn State and/or in the College of Health and Human Development. The award was recently renamed in honor of former Assistant Dean Joyce Hopson-King, who served the college for more than two decades advocating for students, staff and faculty. The award celebrates Hopson-King's leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts in Health and Human Development and at Penn State. 

Leadership in Outreach Award 

Christine Brennan, education strategy and planning manager in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, received the Leadership in Outreach Award. This award honors a faculty or staff member who has made significant leadership contributions to the outreach mission of the college. 

Ann C. Crouter Early Career Faculty Award 

Lindsay Fernandez-Rhodes, assistant professor of biobehavioral health, received the Ann C. Crouter Early Career Faculty Award. This award recognizes outstanding faculty members in the College of Health and Human Development who exhibit academic excellence early in their careers. The award was endowed by alumni and friends of the College of Health and Human Development in honor of Ann C. Crouter, dean emeritus, for her service and dedication to the college. 

Evelyn R. Saubel Faculty Award 

Beth Edwards, assistant teaching professor of biobehavioral health, received the Evelyn R. Saubel Faculty Award. This award recognizes faculty members for service to students. Among its criteria are a commitment to human service, accessibility as an adviser and a caring, professional style. The award was established in honor of 1935 alumna Evelyn Saubel, a longtime assistant to the dean in the former colleges of home economics and human development. 

College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Award 

Jennifer Fleming, assistant teaching professor of nutritional sciences, received the College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Award. This award honors a faculty member for excellence in teaching and contributions to the art of teaching. It is supported by an endowment from the HHD Alumni Society. 

College of Health and Human Development Faculty Sustainability Award 

Carter Hunt, associate professor of recreation, park, and tourism management, received the College of Health and Human Development Faculty Sustainability Award. This award recognizes extraordinary achievement and service in advancing global sustainable development goals while carrying out the College of Health and Human Development’s efforts to maximize health, optimize quality of life and enhance human potential for all people and populations. 

Evan G. and Helen G. Pattishall Outstanding Research Achievement Award 

Kathleen Keller, professor of nutritional sciences, received the Evan G. and Helen G. Pattishall Outstanding Research Achievement Award. This award recognizes research contributions occurring or culminating within the past several years. The award was endowed by Evan Pattishall, dean emeritus, of the former College of Human Development, and his wife, 1985 alumna Helen Pattishall. As the recipient of this award, Keller will present a special lecture in the spring of 2024. 

Pauline Schmitt Russell Distinguished Research Career Award 

Nancy Williams, professor of kinesiology and head of the department, received the Pauline Schmitt Russell Distinguished Research Career Award. This award honors a senior faculty member who has made outstanding research contributions to the field across a major portion of his or her career. The award was endowed by 1941 alumnus, Leo P. Russell, in honor of his late wife, 1948 alumna Pauline Schmitt Russell. As the recipient of this award, Williams will present a special lecture in the fall of 2024.