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UCO's American Association of University Professors Chapter Honors Faculty for Service

The University of Central Oklahoma’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) recently recognized five award recipients.

A committee of UCO AAUP board members selected the recipients based on peer recommendations, notable accomplishments and their service to the Central community.

This year the AAUP created a new award called the Distinguished and Extraordinary Service Award, presenting it to Brian Lamb, D.M.A., music professor. The award was given to him specifically for the hard work and time he dedicated as chair of the joint UCO AAUP and the Faculty Senate ad hoc study group for equitable state funding. 

Also new this year, the Creativity Award was named for late UCO professor Donna J. Dickson. This award went to John Springer, Ph.D., English professor, in part for his work in creating the Cultural Studies program in the department.

"In the life of a university there are often people who have gone over and beyond as a professor. These awards honor all the hard work they’ve done and their commitment to Central," said Elizabeth Overman, president of UCO’s AAUP.

Additional award-winning faculty, followed by profession, and award are:

Shirletta Kinchen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of History and Geography
Award for Service

Caleb Lack, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Award for Scholarship 

Markus Smith, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor of Political Science
Award for Teaching

The AAUP chapter was founded in 1959 and is the oldest faculty organization on campus. Its mission is to advance academic freedom, define fundamental professional values and standards for higher education and to ensure higher education’s contribution to the common good.

For more information about the AAUP at Central, contact Overman at eoverman@uco.edu or 405-974-5530.