Campus honors faculty, staff, for service

KOKOMO, Ind. - Indiana University Kokomo honored 53 employees with a combined total of 730 years of experience for their service to campus.

Chancellor Mark Canada recognized the faculty and staff members during the annual spring convocation.

Kasem Kasem, professor of chemistry; Mohammad Meybodi, professor of operations management; and Lu Ann Name administrative assistant to the dean of the School of Sciences; were all commended for 35 years of service to IU Kokomo.

Dean Patrick Motl of the School of Sciences said Kasem's greatest influence has been in student mentoring.

"I think a significant marker for his impact has been all the students he has engaged in research," Motl said. "Dr. Kasem has authored well over 70 papers, many with IUK students as co-authors, reflecting his belief that undergraduate research is a foundational experience that serves as a steppingstone for his students into their career, whatever direction that happens to be in."

Dean Chittibabu Govindarajalu of the School of Business said Meybodi has been "an extraordinary asset"to the School.

"A passionate educator and prolific scholar, he brings energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to every classroom," he said, adding that Meybodi has published 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and delivered more than 30 conference presentations in his career.

"He is especially admired for his teaching in Operations Management, where he consistently engages students with real-world applications and high-impact learning experiences. His contributions to both the School of Business and the campus community are extensive and ongoing, making him an indispensable member of our faculty."

Motl said Name has been an invaluable help to the School of Sciences.

"I think one of Lu Ann's favorite parts of her work is helping students," he said. "Sometimes that comes in the form of something a student can recognize like helping them find where they need to go at the start of a semester or pinning honor cords on before graduation but for all of those interactions, Lu Ann does so much more to help students and the School behind the scenes."

Christian Chauret, professor of microbiology; Nancy Larkin, human resources business partner; and Louis Wagner, grounds manager, were recognized for 30 years.

Chérie Dodd, senior instructional strategies specialist; and Minda Douglas, associate professor of fine arts; were applauded for 25 years of service.

Twenty-year service award recipients were Mary Bourke, professor of nursing; Chris Darr, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of communication arts; Scott Jones, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs; Joungyeon Kim, associate professor of accounting and MIS; Rudolph Kizer, UITS staff and onsite support; J.R. Pico, teaching professor in Spanish; Tracy Springer, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and director of the Career Center and Accessible Educational Services; and Christine Taff, teaching professor in Spanish.

Those recognized for 15 years included Awny Alnusair, professor of informatics and program coordinator in computer science and informatics; Ashley Duffitt, senior lecturer in biology; Michael Glassburn, videographer and adjunct faculty; Tara Grant, associate registrar; Becky Lefler, advisor, Division of Education; Stephanie Pratt, assistant dean of pre-licensure BSN programs and clinical associate professor of nursing; and Danielle Rush, communications specialist.

Those honored for 10 years were Ghadah Alshuwaiyer, associate professor of allied health sciences and health sciences program coordinator; Matt Berkshire, maintenance technician; Sarah Byrd, visiting lecturer in business; Terence Cree, grounds staff, Meredith Dittfield, assistant director of financial aid and scholarships; Michelle Ennis, executive assistant, University Advancement; Kelly Fisher, senior lecturer in criminal justice and homeland security and crime lab director; Sonya Green, clinical assistant professor of nursing and simulation director; Brooke Komar, visiting lecturer in psychology; Ashley Leicht, lecturer in business and graduate program coordinator; Alina Mihai, associate professor of education; Christina Romero, associate professor of education; Giovanni Rozzi, UITS staff and onsite support; and Leigh Swartzendruber, director of the RNBSN track and clinical assistant professor of nursing.

Five-year honorees were Sohaila Akhavein​, women's head soccer coach; Mimi Bergman, assistant director of the Career Center; Elizabeth Clayton​, assistant professor of management; Julia Dick, day shift custodian; Sharra Dominguez, advisor, School of Sciences; Chittibabu Govindarajulu​, professor and dean of the School of Business; Jill Hunt, clinical assistant professor of nursing; Brandon Jewell, grounds staff; Larry Jinkins, assistant professor of sport and recreation management; Dea Kent, director of the family nurse practitioner track and assistant professor of nursing; Yang Liu, assistant professor of computer science and informatics; Kelly Ohmer, afternoon crew leader; Esra Schoen, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism; Tommy Sheldon, shipping and receiving; Esmerelda Simmons, administrative coordinator for Counseling and Psychological Services; Amy Smith, visiting lecturer in education; and Andy Tuholski, director of the Office of Sustainability and assistant professor of political science.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.