Awards 2022-23

The Outstanding Engagement Award is given to a faculty member, administrative professional member, or CHHS faculty/admin pro-based program team, with five or more years of experience in the College, who exemplifies the land-grant mission of developing and promoting partnerships, particularly in service to high-needs communities, and collaborations between campus and external partners for the benefit of the community, state, nation, and/or world.

Nate Riggs, Human Development and Family Studies

Throughout his career, Nate has focused his work on improving the lives of individuals and families through engaged scholarship, including prevention of substance use among youth. He has served as the director of the Prevention Research Center since 2019, which epitomizes engagement with community, state, and regional partners. The PRC is involved with important areas of engaged research such as opioid prevention in rural communities, enhancing school climate, inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting mental health in older adults, and much more. When Nate took over leadership of the PRC, he reshaped the organizational structure, established relationships with key stakeholders, and garnered significant funding from agencies for important projects. He also helped launch an online master’s degree and certificate for prevention science practitioners. The PRC under Nate’s leadership is thriving and his commitment to prevention science and engagement is promoting healthy and more equitable communities in Colorado.

The Scholarly Excellence Award recognizes a tenured faculty member for outstanding contributions in original and theoretical research, creative works, or other forms of scholarly endeavor.

Heather Leach, Health and Exercise Science

Upon arriving at CSU in 2015, Heather launched the Physical Activity for Treatment and Prevention Lab, the epicenter of her research, which focuses on the physical and psychosocial benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors. Heather has translated this work into a community-based outreach program called Fit Cancer. To date, Heather has published 48 peer-reviewed publications, authored two book chapters, and her work has been presented more than 100 times at regional and national scientific meetings. Heather has also been successful in pursuing extramural funding. Among her awards, two stand out. The first was a five-year, more than $700,000 career development award from the American Cancer Society. She followed that up with a $1.2 million award from the National Cancer Institute. Heather has served as the primary mentor for 12 masters and two Ph.D. students. In the field of physical activity for cancer survivorship, she is already widely recognized as a leader.

The Tenure-Track Faculty Scholarly Excellence Award recognizes a tenure-track faculty member (not yet tenured) for outstanding contributions in activities such as original and theoretical research, creative works, model development, research synthesis, policy research, and other forms of scholarly endeavor during their period of appointment at Colorado State University.

Jen Weaver, Occupational Therapy

Jen is in the second year of her tenure-track appointment and has already established herself as a significant contributor to rehabilitation scholarship at CSU and at the national level. Her ongoing research focuses on a shared decision-making tool for patients in a coma or vegetative state. She is also developing indices of responsiveness for the current outcome measure clinicians use when evaluating patients who are unconscious, and she is testing more clinically meaningful measurement tools for the management of individuals with severe brain injury. Her productivity includes 29 peer-reviewed publications, and she has been awarded significant research funding from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense. In addition, she is part of a team of OT faculty who received funding to open the Translational Neurological Lab at the Spur campus. Her work is significant to the rehabilitation field, and she is well-positioned to thoughtfully address real-world clinical problems.

The Outstanding Graduate Student Award recognizes a CHHS graduate student for outstanding performance in research, outreach/engagement, and/or creative endeavors.

Emily Wolf, Food Science and Human Nutrition

Emily started as a doctoral student in the fall of 2019, conducting research with Dr. Sarah Johnson. She trained tirelessly on advanced laboratory techniques which require precision and consistency. In spite of disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, Emily worked on a study evaluating the impact of blueberry consumption on blood pressure in postmenopausal women and collaborated with the lab team to complete the clinical trial and associated analyses. She co-authored a book chapter with Dr. Johnson on berries and human health, and a peer-reviewed article to disseminate research on blueberries and cardiovascular health to registered dietitian nutritionists. At the same time, Emily excelled in her coursework and served as a graduate teaching assistant. She received three competitive scholarships from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and participated in the American Society for Nutrition’s Three Minute Thesis competition, winning first place. Emily has made outstanding contributions as a graduate student and is an asset to the department.

The Faculty Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recognizes a faculty member, with five or more years of experience in the College, for outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion with an emphasis on ameliorating inequities by developing or applying social justice initiatives.

Toni Zimmerman, Human Development and Family Studies

Toni has been a passionate leader in the area of DEIJ for decades. A University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, she has been the director of the highly-ranked Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program for 30 years. The program won the Outstanding Training Award from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy in recognition of its attention and focus on issues of social justice. A first-generation college student, Toni created and taught a seminar on DEIJ for Key Communities, as well as for the Honors Program. She developed the “Fairness for All Individuals through Respect (FAIR)” program, which is a curriculum on social justice for schools. Toni is also a co-founder of Campus Connections, an award-winning program offering mentoring for youth experiencing difficulties in their lives. In this program, undergraduate student mentors and youth gain better awareness of diversity and social justice to help promote resilience. Toni serves as the chair of the department DEIJ committee and her research emphasizes the importance of culture, equity, and social justice.

The Graduate Student Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recognizes a graduate student for contributions towards the enhancement of diverse and inclusive excellence in the graduate experience.

John Wilson, Food Science and Human Nutrition

John has established himself as a leader in the area of DEIJ, not just among graduate students, but also among all department personnel. John’s focus is primarily within the Fermentation and Science Technology Program. He believes that fermentation can be used to fight prejudice and enhance acceptance and understanding by opening doors of communication across different cultures. His love of fermentation and unique life experiences, including studying in England and Denmark, serving in the Peace Corps in Ghana, and working in Japan and South Africa, have allowed him to instill this belief system in his colleagues, professors, and the FST program. John has served students enthusiastically in the Black/African American Cultural Center at CSU and has encouraged department faculty and seminar speakers to consider cultural diversity in their science. He has created a personal blueprint for breaking down walls of prejudice, accepting and welcoming cultural diversity, and recognizing our shared humanity.

The Superior Faculty Service Award is given to a faculty member, with five or more years of experience in the College, who has made significant service contributions to the College, University, professional, or other off-campus organizations.

Stephanie Seng, Human Development and Family Studies

Over the past 25 years, Steph has played an integral role in the successful operation of the Center for Family and Couple Therapy. She became the center director in 2013, which led to the most significant expansion in the center’s history. Steph helped establish the Trauma and Resilience Assessment Center, or CTRAC, in 2015, which has provided over 800 trauma assessments to vulnerable youth and families. Steph’s flexibility, willingness to collaborate, and long-term vision has led to CTRAC being a leader in trauma-informed care in northern Colorado. Incoming Marriage and Family Therapy students have said that the opportunity to train with CTRAC was a primary motivation for applying to the program. Steph’s leadership and passion for building a pathway to resilience for children and families have had a tremendous impact. Her reputation is second-to-none, and she has positively impacted the lives of countless youth in our community.

The Superior Staff Service Award is given to a staff member, with five or more years of experience in the College, who demonstrates outstanding achievement in performing their responsibilities, including efforts to create a climate of support for all in the unit.

Kelli Clark, School of Education

As Graduate Programs Coordinator, Kelli has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving students and faculty. She serves as a critical nexus of information, supporting multiple graduate degree programs and students undertaking master’s, doctoral, and certificate coursework. Kelli has created vital infrastructure to support students’ meaningful degree progress, including creating a Canvas site to organize crucial documents, deadlines, and processes. She has also supported efforts to instill equity in the graduate admissions process and keep track of student degree progress. Kelli has been instrumental in the success of the Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. program, working to develop targeted admissions and information resources and creating videos to explain processes. She ensures that students receive prompt responses to their questions and support around achieving program milestones. Kelli cultivates a climate of support for all members of the School of Education community and is an essential member of the team.

The Outstanding Teacher Award honors an excellent teacher who exhibits superior and sustained performance in teaching that impacts student learning. On-campus and Extension faculty, with five or more years of experience in the College, with undergraduate, graduate, and/or off-campus teaching, are eligible for this award.

Kristin Mooney, School of Social Work

Kristin is known for her commitment to students, the Social Work profession, and innovation in instruction. She teaches across multiple modalities and programs and has created innovative assignments, such as photography projects, debates, and role-plays, to engage students in learning. She has also adopted a flipped classroom approach and has taken on additional responsibility to expand Social Work’s online and hybrid course offerings. Kristin actively pursues professional development opportunities to improve her teaching effectiveness, including taking TILT courses about inclusive pedagogy and participating in Stanford University’s competitive Teaching and Learning Studio Workshop. Kristin seeks input from peers and students to advance her teaching skills and implements feedback mechanisms throughout the semester to prompt ongoing enhancements to the class environment. Her dedication to teaching and learning is outstanding – she cares deeply for students and colleagues and continually strives to innovate and ensure effectiveness in the classroom.

The Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Early Career Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member (NTT) for outstanding contributions in teaching since the appointment to Colorado State University. The intent of the award is to recognize a newer member of the faculty who demonstrates excellence in teaching.

James Peth, Food Science and Human Nutrition

James’s ability to integrate scientific education with effective pedological methods in incredibly engaging ways AND his capacity to connect with students have led to him becoming one of the department’s most coveted teachers. He is committed to inclusive teaching and assessment techniques and generously offers support to many of his colleagues to incorporate more effective teaching practices. As a Provost Course Redesign Teaching Fellow, he comprehensively revised the fundamental mid-level nutrition course, FSHN 350. And he has been instrumental in developing new courses and a graduate certificate program focused on improving nutrition knowledge for health professionals. These are just a few examples of James’ dedication to continually developing creative and engaging approaches to enhance student learning and updating his teaching materials based on his reading of current scientific and pedagogical literature – and the example he sets in developing strong professional relationships and encouraging high expectations in his classes – all while receiving incredibly positive course surveys and peer evaluations.

The Tenure-Track Faculty Teaching Excellence Award recognizes a tenure-track faculty member (not yet tenured) for outstanding contributions in teaching during their period of appointment at Colorado State University. The intent of the award is to recognize a newer member of the faculty who demonstrates excellence in teaching.

Dan Lark, Health and Exercise Science

Dan is an extremely talented teacher committed to educating the next generation of scientists in a strongly ethical way. Dan has created and refined a creative instructional approach for a foundational course to teach students how to use evidence-based practices, communicate effectively in spoken and written forms and apply knowledge in professional and personal contexts. He has an unlimited passion and enthusiasm for teaching and brings fresh excitement and joy to each class. He combines active learning, electronic resources, the “flipped” classroom, and other novel approaches to maximize student learning. Dan has presented his model of active learning in HES weekly seminars and at a recent conference of Teaching in Physiology, as well as published a paper in the journal Advances in Physiology Education. He is a strong mentor for undergraduate and graduate students in the classroom and laboratory. His teaching effectiveness is evident from the outstanding feedback he receives from students.

The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes a CHHS graduating senior for outstanding performance including academic achievement, leadership, research, service, and/or creative endeavors. Student must be an undergraduate student graduating in the academic year the award is bestowed (must have intent to graduate in the current academic year – Fall, Spring or Summer term).

Kaylee Rookey, Health and Exercise Science

Kaylee has had a significant impact within the department, across the college, and beyond. She was recognized as the Key Cluster Member of the Year in her first year for her exemplary character. And has maintained an exceptional GPA of over 3.9 while earning her degree. Kaylee currently serves as president of the College’s Dean’s Leadership Council. She was instrumental in organizing the Rams Against Hunger Passion Project and is involved in numerous Universitywide activities, including Choose CSU and Ram Welcome. Kaylee has taken on a leadership role in planning the Homecoming 5K race, assisted and motivated a community member through Adult Fitness, and educated and inspired patients in the UC Health cardiac rehabilitation center. Kaylee’s leadership skills were recognized when she received the Culture Crew Award at Dutch Bros, where she works. She has developed skills as a servant leader, organizer, facilitator, and champion of causes, and she seeks out opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives.

This award recognizes recent graduates of the College for accomplishments made in the areas of career, service, or volunteer efforts that have brought honor to the individual and the College/University.

Dustin Lee, Food Science and Human Nutrition

Dustin earned his master’s degree in 2016 and Ph.D. in 2019, both from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. After graduating, Dustin opted for an unusual path for nutrition scientists: he joined the U.S. Army where has moved through the ranks at lightning speed. Dustin currently serves as a commissioned officer and the Chief of Education and Research at the Brooke Army Medical Center’s Department of Nutritional Medicine in San Antonio, and Assistant Professor at Baylor University’s U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence. His clinical care helps to maximize troop readiness and support veteran health and well-being. He also continues his research and mentors graduate students. We are proud of Dustin’s service and know he has a bright future ahead. Read more about Dustin on SOURCE.

This award recognizes recent graduates of the College for accomplishments made in the areas of career, service, or volunteer efforts that have brought honor to the individual and the College/University.

Amy Powell, Construction Management and School of Education

Amy Powell has successfully aligned two degrees from our college to shape recruitment, development, and retention of the next generation of the construction industry. Her bachelor’s in construction management in 2006 initiated her successful career in construction project management and training. Her master’s in adult education and training, earned in 2021, helped launch her business, Well Works. Well Works provides construction industry professionals with mobile-based, micro-learning training modules to enhance leadership and communication skills. She is an advocate for historically underrepresented populations in the construction industry, including women and racial minorities. Amy’s service includes the Department of Construction Management Professional Development Advisory Board, the Colorado chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, and the Northern Colorado Construction Sector Partnership. She co-founded BuildHer Collaborative, which provides social support systems for women in the industry. Her leadership is making a difference in developing pathways to help make the construction industry more inclusive and to support workforce mental health. Read more about Amy on SOURCE.

This award honors outstanding alumni from the College who, through their distinguished careers and service to the university, state, nation, or world, have brought honor to Colorado State University and to themselves.

Brian Stein, Food Science and Numan Nutrition

Brian Stein has leveraged his bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science into a successful career in the consumer-packaged goods industry. Brian has worked at Nestlé Global for 22 years, starting as a product development food scientist. He currently serves as a technical sales manager leading a team of 10 people producing $350 million in sales annually. He is President of the Southern California Frozen and Refrigerated Food Council, a non-profit trade association promoting frozen and refrigerated foods and contributing to community hunger relief efforts. Brian is championing his alma mater within Nestlé, creating internship opportunities for current food science and human nutrition students and research partnerships for faculty. Brian recently gave a guest lecture to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff, where he shared valuable lessons about his career, industry, and the importance of a culture of service and inclusion. Read more about Brian on SOURCE.

This award honors outstanding alumni from the College who, through their distinguished careers and service to the university, state, nation, or world, have brought honor to Colorado State University and to themselves.

Lindsey Weiler, Human Development and Family Studies

After earning her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at CSU in 2010, Lindsey Weiler became CSU’s first Ph.D. graduate in Applied Developmental Science in 2013. During her graduate work, Lindsey co-developed the award-winning Campus Connections program with mentors in Human Development and Family Studies. This high-impact service-learning course pairs undergraduate students as mentors to disadvantaged youth. Lindsey is now a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota with an impressive publication history and leadership in youth mental health and mentorship research and advocacy. Her leadership and service include the National Mentoring Resource Center, where she sits on the Research Board, and the Cultivating Connections Advisory Committee for the Search Institute. Lindsey is a person who consistently demonstrates high levels of integrity, commitment to students, passion for youth, and an incredible devotion to making a difference in her local community, nationally, and globally. Read more about Lindsey on SOURCE.

This award was created to recognize those individuals who have supported the college in extraordinary ways.

Bohemian Foundation

There has never been a philanthropic organization so broadly supportive of our numerous outreach programs as the Bohemian Foundation. With over half a million dollars invested in the College, they support five of our units through meaningful, intentional grants that align with the Bohemian Foundation’s mission around helping youth thrive, and cultivating a vibrant, engaged, and connected community. Our College – and broader community – are stronger and healthier because of the partnership and financial investments from the Foundation.

This award was created to recognize those individuals who have supported the college in extraordinary ways.

Blanche Hughes, Vice President for Student Affairs, Colorado State University

Dr. Blanche Hughes earned her master’s degree in our School of Education and her doctorate in Sociology from CSU. She is currently in her 15th year as the Vice President for Student Affairs at CSU and serves on the President’s leadership team. As the Vice President, Dr. Hughes leads a Division that includes 21 departments that collaborate with other units across the University including the academic colleges. In addition to her administrative role, Dr. Hughes is a passionate supporter of students. She teaches a first-year undergraduate seminar and teaches and advises in the Student Affairs in Higher Education, or SAHE, master’s degree program in the School of Education. She is a leader and innovator in the field of student affairs, and has been a steadfast supporter of our students and our college’s student success activities – such as first-year seminars, peer-mentoring programs, and providing funding for a graduate student internship who assists with academic advising and outreach. She has also been a valuable mentor to leaders in our College. Her commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging is centered in everything that she does. She is a stalwart Ram and an outstanding partner.

This award was created to recognize those individuals who have supported the college in extraordinary ways.

John Eisele, CSU Photographer

A dedicated employee of CSU since 2000, John has been the “go-to” photographer for events, portraits, and classroom and lab photo shoots for the College for more than two decades. John has been an outstanding collaborator with the Dean’s Communications Team and Executive Assistant. We can always count on him to capture the moment with his technical prowess and attention to detail. He is an exceptional photographer who never fails to deliver beautiful and creative photos that show off the depth and breadth of our programs and research, the diversity of our students and the warmth of our donors and alumni. He has photographed many celebratory events, and he has a knack for capturing that smile or gesture to convey the emotions of the moment. John is also amazing to work with – always taking on any special requests we have with his can-do attitude. Our special request for John today is to pose in front of the camera at our event, instead of behind it! He is absolutely a pleasure to work with, and we appreciate all he does to make the College and CSU look good!