David Morris – Joseph F. Volker Award David Morris, PT, Ph.D. – Joseph F. Volker Award
Dr. Morris, professor and chair, Department of Physical Therapy, earned this award that is given to a regular, full-time faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in and dedication to teaching, distinctive research and other scholarly endeavors, and/or notable service to the School, University and community.
Amanda Sherman, alumni engagement coordinator, School of Health Professions, former staff member of the Department of Physical Therapy, presented Morris:
“He gives his time, talent, and treasure to UAB, the Birmingham community, and his professional organization. He is always willing to go above and beyond even if this means adding more to his already full plate. One of our alums recently said, ‘He instilled in me to serve your clients and your community and challenged me to learn and keep learning.’ I couldn’t agree more. I am a much better person because I know this outstanding individual; he sets an incredible example for all of us.”
Robert Weech-Maldonado – Excellence in Scholarship AwardRobert Weech-Maldonado, Ph.D. – Excellence in Scholarship Award
Dr. Weech-Maldonado, professor and L.R. Jordan Chair of Health Administration, Department of Health Services Administration, wins the award for faculty member who has made significant scholarly contributions resulting in the advancement of knowledge.
Contributions include funded research, involvement in research process, publications in peer-reviewed journals and more.
Weech-Maldonado is co-director of the UAB Center for Health Organization Transformation which was recently approved as one of only six CHOT University Sites in the United States by the National Science Foundation.
Nancy Borkowski – Excellence in Service AwardNancy Borkowski, Ph.D. – Excellence in Service Award
Dr. Borkowski, DBA, professor, Department of Health Services Administration, received the award for faculty member who has made significant contributions to the School or their profession including projects and positions that bring national, state or local recognition and more.
Christy Lemak, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Health Services Administration, nominated Borkowski:
“Nancy is never just on a committee; she leads, shapes and guides it and is continually recognized for this leadership. She currently serves on four peer-reviewed journal editorial boards, is the President Elect of the Alabama Healthcare Executives Forum and carries a sizable teaching load. Even with her manifold contributions, you will never, ever see her without a smile on her face. Nancy exemplifies service to UAB and to her profession.”
Patty Perez – Excellence in Teaching Award Patty Perez, PT, DScPT – Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Perez, assistant professor, Department of Physical Therapy, was honored as faculty member who exhibited success in developing effective teaching methods, courses and teaching materials.
The courses generated student learning, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and research.
Ramon Vega – Beverly W. Smith Outstanding Employee AwardRamon Vega – Beverly W. Smith Outstanding Employee Award
Vega, program manager II, wins the award given to a staff employee who excels in numerous areas such as professionalism, attitude, productivity, efficiency, creativity, communication and competence.
Christy Lemak, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Health Services Administration, presented Vega’s award:
“Ramon is a wonderful communicator. I am not talking about his professional writing or his language skills. I am talking about Ramon’s ability to listen, to seek understanding, and to realize when someone needs something, including help, support, a hug, a smile, or just words of encouragement. We could all learn to be better listeners and better communicators from Ramon - a man for whom English is his second language. (I actually believe that Ramon’s first language is love, followed by Spanish, and then English).”
You can see all the photos from the big day, including those honored for their years’ of service at UAB, in this School of Health Professions’ Flickr Photo Album.
