Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation Wins 2022 Ferritor Award

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From left: faculty Craig Schmitt, Paul Calleja, Michelle Gray, Angela Smith-Nix and Amanda Sullivan, all of the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation.

The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation earned the 2022 Daniel E. Ferritor Award for Departmental Excellence in Teaching at the U of A.

Department faculty were recently surprised with $10,000 and a trophy. A university plaque bearing the department's name will also be displayed in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building for a year.

The award recognizes a department or unit on campus that best displays teaching excellence for that academic year. Winners are selected based on the department or unit's sustained commitment to teaching excellence, faculty development and student success, and how well it measures excellence in teaching and learning.

The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, in the College of Education and Health Professions, is the largest department by student major numbers at the U of A. In its application, the department stressed that its 29 faculty members, 26 graduate assistants, seven adjunct lecturers and three staff members are committed to creating an environment that maximizes opportunities for student success.

In its application, the department cited its culture of collaboration and a "student-first mindset," where teaching excellence is embedded in all functions. The department also believes that teaching and research are interrelated, so they provide ample opportunities for students to engage in practicums and internships. Many are through faculty-led labs on campus, but the department has strong ties with many community and international partners. Another way the department helps ensure student success is through a program that enlists ambassadors to serve as the "eyes, voice and ears" of fellow students.

"This award is simply recognition for what our faculty do each day and have done for decades, which is put students first," said interim Department Head Michelle Gray. "We have successfully recruited excellent faculty who work with students at each level, both in the lab and the classroom."

She said the award money will "support teaching initiatives in the department through professional development workshops furthering our mission to sustain excellence in high impact teaching."

The accolade, which is given by the Office of the Provost and the Teaching Academy, was voted upon by a committee composed of four members of the academy and three faculty appointed by the provost. The award is funded by the Chancellor's Office.

Dr. Brian Primack, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, said, "I was thrilled to hear that our Health, Human Performance and Recreation Department won this prestigious award. Physical and emotional health are more important than ever. So, it's great that our future exercise scientists, public health practitioners, physical education teachers and recreation and sport specialists are getting outstanding training."

"The department of HHPR epitomizes the spirit of the Daniel E. Ferritor Award. Its faculty demonstrate a passion for teaching excellence and innovation, work tirelessly to innovate new pedagogies and genuinely promote student success at the U of A," said Kathryn Sloan, vice provost for faculty affairs. "We are honored to be able to recognize the HHPR faculty and students with this prestigious award named after one of the U of A's esteemed educators."

The award is named in honor of former U of A Chancellor Daniel E. Ferritor, recognizing his longstanding commitment to students and faculty and consistent support for excellence in teaching and learning at the U of A. The Teaching Academy, organized by Ferritor in 1988, co-sponsors the award with the Provost's Office and seeks to advocate and represent teaching interests, promote and stimulate an environment of teaching and learning excellence, and encourage recognition and reward for exceptional teaching.

About the College of Education and Health Professions: The College of Education and Health Professions offers advanced academic degrees as well as professional development opportunities and learning communities in service to the education and health systems of Arkansas and beyond. The college provides the education and experiences for a variety of professional roles, ranging from community mental health counselors to school teachers and leaders. Programs in adult and higher education, along with educational technology and sport management, offer a broad range of options. In addition to education-related opportunities, the college prepares nurses, speech-language pathologists, health educators and administrators, recreation professionals, rehabilitation counselors and human performance researchers.