May 21, 2019
Assistant Professor of Chemistry Timothy Smith, Ph.D., has been honored as the recipient of the Walsh University’s 2019 Inclusive Excellence Award. The award was created to honor faculty and staff members who go above and beyond to assist students with disabilities.
Students had the following to say about this year’s honoree: "Not only has he adapted and established his own curricula for each of these classes, he has done it with excellence and understanding of the students. He does everything in his power to help us succeed constantly being available to answer questions and provide extra help. He puts in the extra effort to practice many modes of teaching for students of all different learning abilities. Lastly, with my accommodation in general, he has been extremely understanding and has even gone out of his way to offer extra avenues of assistance."
During Disability Awareness Week, students registered with Accessibility Services were asked to nominate faculty and staff members that have demonstrated excellence in teaching and/or service provision for students with disabilities. Learn more about Walsh's Accessiblity Services.
"This award means the world to me because it comes from my students. I feel blessed each day to have the opportunity to teach at a university that commits itself to inclusion," said Dr. Smith. "Each student is different. Each student has a story. These differences should be celebrated. These stories should be heard. I acknowledge those differences and listen to those stories. If I can help a student knowing that my efforts will enhance their educational journey that’s all the reward I need. I want to thank all of my students for a wonderful first year at Walsh."
Each spring, Walsh hosts its annual Disability Awareness Week to generate awareness of disability-related issues and to celebrate diversity and inclusion on campus. Activities were held on campus to raise awareness and celebrate students with disabilities. Sponsored by the Offices of Accessibility Services, TEAM, ASL Club, Office of Student Activities, University Programming Board, Brother Edmond Drouin Library, Campus Ministry, University Wellness, and Counseling Services, the week hosted many programs to educate students about how to discuss and approach disabilities.
"Supporting diversity and providing equal opportunity for all of our students is an institutional responsibility," said Director of Academic Support Services Meredith Soduk. "Our office relies on faculty support in coordinating the delivery of services for students with disabilities. We appreciate Dr. Smith’s attitude toward creating an inclusive environment, and his students appreciate his approachable style in coordinating their necessary accommodations. I would like to thank all Walsh University faculty and staff for their continuous efforts in providing an environment of inclusion and support for our 404 students with disabilities."
HONORABLE MENTIONS
A special congratulation to the following faculty members who were also nominated for this year’s award:
Mary Cook, Associate Professor, Nursing
Cary Dabney, Adjunct Instructor, Theology
Jamey Parramore, Professional Associate Professor of Communication