For immediate release:
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009

Faculty and staff convocation recognizes four outstanding faculty members

This morning's faculty and staff convocation included recognition of four outstanding faculty members for their dedication to AUM's standard of excellence.

And the awards went to:

Dr. Carolyn Thomas, professor and coordinator of Counselor Education; Dr. Michael Fitzsimmons, distinguished research professor of History; Dr, Hank Williford, head of the Physical Education and Exercise Science Department; Dr. Michele Olson, professor of Physical Education and Exercise Science.

Dr. Carolyn Thomas was awarded the inaugural Excellence in Faculty Outreach Award for her extraordinary leadership of domestic violence prevention efforts in Montgomery and around the state over the last three decades.

Thomas’ work began in 1975 as a member of the Alabama Statewide Domestic Abuse Task Force, where she helped write the first Public Service Grant to develop awareness of the need for services.

In 1979, the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, now known as the Family Sunshine Center, was created, and Thomas was selected to be the founding president.

"Through her work with battered women, their families and their perpetrators, Thomas has shared a wealth of knowledge with her counseling students. The real-life examples and her solid research has proven time and time again to be an excellent model for students in counseling," said Katherine Jackson, vice chancellor of University Outreach.

Jackson said, Thomas’ outreach efforts with victims of domestic abuse are directly compatible with the University’s mission. Through her outstanding service in the community, she has received 32 awards and much recognition throughout her career.

Dr. Hank Williford and Dr. Michael Fitzsimmons were both named inaugural Ida Belle Young Professors for their impressive body of scholarship, excellence in teaching and prolific service.

As Ida Belle Young Professors Fitzsimmons and Williford will both receive:

• An award for $15,000 for the 2009 - 10 and 2010 - 11 fiscal years, which will be added to their 12-month compensation;
• A one course release per term for the current and next academic calendar;
• A budget of $5,000 per year for travel, equipment purchase and general O&M.

Williford was chosen based on his numerous accomplishments, that including over 70-referred publications appearing in every tier one national journal, over 130 abstracts and in excess of 34 funded grants over a period of 27 years.

Williford has been recognized by his peers for his scholarly work and contribution to his field and has received many awards including:

• Robert A. Wieseman Excellence in Research Award;
• AUM Distinguished Research Professor;
• Graduate Faculty, Level 2 at Auburn University;
• Graduate Faculty at Annamalai University, Tamilnadu, India;
• 2009 Exercise Physiologist for Web MD; and
• Editorial board member for three journals.
  

Williford has also excelled in teaching and service. He has taught at three international universities and at six Alabama colleges or universities, as an adjunct professor. Williford has served on doctoral committees at Auburn University, on the Research Council for 18 years, chairing it for 12 years. He created the first unit-wide assessment system for the School of Education for NCATE accreditation and served on the Governor's Commission for Physical Fitness.

Fitzsimmons was chosen based on his numerous accomplishments which include being published in most distinguished journals in his field, such as: French Historical Studies, the leading English language journal in his field - published by Oxford University Press and the American Historical Review, the flagship journal of historians in the U.S.

Three of his books appear under the most distinguished auspices available, two with Cambridge University Press and one with Harvard University Press.

Veres said his colleagues point out that Fitzsimmons is respected within the French academic establishment, an unusual circumstance for Anglo-American historians of France.

Fitzsimmons is an AUM Distinguished research Professor and a recipient of:

• NEH Fellowship for College Teachers;
• Fulbright Research Award;
• Newberry Library Fellowship;
• Mellon Fellow, Rice University; and
• George Lurcy Trust Fellowship for study in France.

Veres said both Fitzsimmons and Williford have gamered respect of their peers and have been great mentors to their colleagues, and noted their hard work and integrity is much appreciated and much respected.

Dr. Michele Olson received the Alumni Professorship Award, a three-year award with an annual $2,500 salary supplement. Olson's extensive list of accomplishments includes:

• Reebok consultant; Reebok Program Development from 1999 to 2005.
• Publication of over 70 peer-reviewed papers on the effectiveness of many forms of exercise, including: Pilates, Spinning exercise and the effectiveness of exercise videos. These papers are featured in highly revered journal such as Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, and Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport to name just a few.
• Frequent featured articles numerous times in popular magazines, including: Shape, Fitness, Self, Pilates Style and Ladies Home Journal.
• Featured in the New York Times three times and the Wall Street Journal.
• AUM Distinguished Research Professorship.
• Distinguished Teaching Professorship.
  

Olson's other expertise lies in more clinical areas such as body image and eating disorders in active and athletic populations, and cardiac rehabilitation.

###

Photograph by Frank C. Williams

Contact Information
Carolyn Kinney
Auburn Montgomery
University Relations
334-244-3642
ckinney@aum.edu