Students choose Outstanding Faculty Award recipients

Students have announced their selections for the long-running Dr. Robert K. Ratzlaff Outstanding Faculty Award and will honor the three recipients at a celebration April 7 as part of GoPitt!Week.

The awards were directed by the Student Government Association and the nomination process was open to all students.

Included in the celebration are the recipients of the Outstanding Staff Award and recognition of years of service for Pittsburg State University employees reaching milestones.

Recipients also were recognized at a dinner with President Thomas Newsom and received commemorative medallions.

Heather Carter • Family and Consumer Sciences

Students praised Assistant Professor Heather Carter for her engaging teaching style and her ability to connect course content to real-life experiences.

"Dr. Carter brings a whole new perspective to the Family and Consumer Sciences program," a student wrote in a nomination. "She makes the class engaging for the students and listens to feedback from her students. She is not afraid to get on a personal level by sharing various stories of her lifetime that help us connect the content she is teaching to a way we can all understand."

Students said that she has gone above and beyond by helping with career opportunities and professional growth, like reaching out to a school district to help land an internship for a student. She also offers a variety of opportunities for extra courses to enhance careers and encourages students to apply to summer conferences.

"Dr. Carter has gone above and beyond for me in various ways," a student wrote.

"With her help, I was able to land a position in a Kindergarten Dual Language Spanish program," another wrote. "Without her making content relatable, I wouldn't have been able to adapt it to other courses."

Jody Neef • Chemistry

Professor Jody Neef was recognized by students for his dedication to student success and well-being.

"Dr. Neef works tirelessly to ensure students feel safe and cared for," a student wrote in a nomination. "He teaches challenging classes but is always happy to help during and outside of office hours."

Neef also took up the role as advisor for the new student organization, Women in Stem. Students highlighted his support for their organization and efforts to build community.

"He is always looking for events and fundraisers to get the Women in STEM name out," wrote a nominator. "On multiple occasions he has spent his own money to help the club out. He has made tremendous impacts on Women in STEM as well as every student who takes his class."

His dedication has not gone unnoticed.

"He is constantly meeting prospective students to give insights to the department. He has one on one conversations with these students and their parents to talk about how they would fit at Pitt State and in the Chemistry Department."

When students faced personal hardships, he was patient, understanding, and accommodating, providing accommodation and personal insight.

"Dr. Neef gave me extra time on assignments and helped me understand topics in his office," a student wrote. "He gave me the opportunity to do research in his lab."

Chris Huitt • Graphic Communications

Professor Chris Huitt is described as a professor who creates engaging, hand-son learning experiences.

"His classes are very engaging and hands on," a student wrote in a nomination. "We have the opportunity to print on different materials and learn techniques used in the industry."

Students said he clearly explains processes and encourages improvement.

"He makes sure students understand each step and encourages us to keep practicing," a student wrote.

He also supports students beyond the classroom through program activities, like giving students the opportunity to print t-shirts for organizations and fundraisers, which provided themreal-world experiences.

"He is always willing to support students and help with activities that benefit our design clubs and the program. His support helps students gain practical experience while also helping the department and student organizations."

Students emphasized the positive environment he creates.

"His classes are fun, and we learn a lot while having a good time," a nominator wrote. "It is always a pleasure to attend his classes."