Two faculty members from the UAB School of Health Professions were honored during the month of April for awards they have received from the University.
Pamela E. Paustian, MSM, RHIA, assistant professor and assistant program director (Health Sciences) in the Department of Health Services Administration was recognized during the annual Faculty Awards Convocation held on April 24th as the 2008 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for the School of Health Professions. Since joining the SHP faculty as an assistant professor in 2001, Ms. Paustian has made considerable and sustained contributions to the program, the department and the school. Ms. Paustian has one of the highest teaching loads in the department and is continuing her own education. She is enrolled in doctoral-level courses in the School of Education and intends to specialize in educational leadership and strategy. Students laud her “energy and excitement” in the classroom and that she is “always available and willing to consult with students on coursework, professional development and even takes an interest in their personal development as individuals.” Colleagues say she “combines a very high quantity of teaching with outstanding quality of teaching.”
Debra E. Laken, MAEd, AE-C, RRT, associate professor (Respiratory Therapy) in the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, was recognized at the UAB Student Excellence Awards ceremony on April 17th as the recipient of the 2008 Faculty/Staff of Character Award. This award is bestowed upon a faculty or staff member who has shown the qualities of respect, responsibility and integrity, and who also educates his or her students on the ideals of positive leadership as well as ethics and values. The award is determined through a competitive nomination process. Words used to describe Ms. Laken were respected, responsible and living with integrity. “Ms. Laken is attentive to her students and available when she is needed. She encourages others and helps educate and promote students to be successful in the medical field. She is a positive leader and sets high expectations for students, yet helps students see different perspectives. “
Congratulations go to both Pam Paustian and to Debra Laken for their well-deserved honors!