North Columbus News

Educators at The Ohio State University have been recognized for their teaching, research, and service during the institution's annual Faculty Awards Celebration. The event took place on April 25 at the Fawcett Center and highlighted the innovative work of professors across various fields.

President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. praised the faculty's contributions, stating, “Our faculty are among the best in the world at what they do. From medicine to agriculture to technology, business and the arts, your work changes and literally saves lives."

Provost Ravi Bellamkonda emphasized the significance of the celebration, noting it acknowledges faculty at different career stages. “It celebrates teaching, it celebrates service, it celebrates mentorship,” he said. “This is why we go into research. This is why we become faculty."

The Distinguished University Professor appointment, the highest faculty honor at Ohio State, was awarded to Patrick L. Green from the Department of Veterinary Biosciences; Peter L. Hahn, Anita Hopper, and Michael Lisa from various departments within the College of Arts and Sciences; and Phillip Popovich from the Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine. Patrick Louchouarn, senior vice provost for faculty, stated, “This honor is presented annually to no more than six tenure-track professors who have truly exceptional records in teaching, in research, scholarly or creative work and in service.”

The President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service went to three professors: L. Camille Hébert, Mitchell B. Lerner, and Sara Watson, reflecting their contributions to the university's policies and programs. Louchouarn commented, "These awardees are timeless servants of the university whose work has demonstrable impact."

The event also honored recipients of the Distinguished Scholar Award. Helen Malone, vice provost for academic policy and faculty resources, remarked, “The Distinguished Scholar Award is among the highest annual honors The Ohio State University bestows on a faculty member in recognition of outstanding scholarly activity, research or creative works.”

Additionally, the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching was presented to several educators who are inducted into the university’s Academy of Teaching.

Overall, the awards ceremony served to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions and achievements of Ohio State's faculty in various domains.