Cumberlands honors faculty and staff

University of the Cumberlands held its 18th annual Faculty-Staff Dinner on April 22, where the school honored individuals for years of service and presented two awards for community service and one for teaching excellence. 

The University presented the 2010 Service Award for full-time administrators and non-teaching staff members to Wanda Hensley, administrative assistant in the offices of International Relations and Church Relations, the William T Miles Community Service Award to Dr. James Manning, physics professor, and the Excellence in Teaching award to Dr. Sara Ash, assistant professor and chair of the biology department. 

The Service Award is given annually to a full-time staff person who shows an understanding of the philosophy and mission of the university through interaction with students, other staff and faculty members, university visitors, and the larger world beyond the campus. Hensley, an alumna, has been at Cumberlands for more than twenty years. Beyond her official position campus, she often entertains students who participate in Mountain Outreach and international students at her home. The wife of Marc Hensley, director of Mountain Outreach, she serves as a chaperone for the group’s annual Gatlinburg retreat, participates in their team bonding events and serves as a volunteer during Mountain Outreach’s two annual Christmas gift days. An active member of Main Street Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Hensley cooks breakfast at the church for 30 to 40 students each Sunday and sings in the choir. 

The University presents the William T. Miles Memorial Award for Community Service to a faculty member who has made a significant contribution to the Williamsburg community in an area consistent with university goals. The individual must be a Christ-like servant who: lives the mission of Cumberlands; achieves a bold service focused on physical and spiritual health; provides humble service; and models service to others. Manning, a member of the University’s faculty since 1987, is also an alumnus. As a member and officer of the Lion’s Club, he helps to prepare Christmas food baskets; conducts fundraising auctions to provide eye care and glasses for those in need; and helps prepare food-filled backpacks for school children to enjoy on weekends. A member and deacon of Central Baptist Church in Corbin, he oversees the church library and assists with sound and video during services. Manning a previous winner of Cumberlands’ Excellence in Teaching Award, shares his passion for physics, as he conducts demonstrations at local schools, and on campus he sponsors the Society of Physics Students and the physics and mathematics honor societies. 

Each year, based on recommendations by students, faculty and staff members, one University faculty member receives the Excellence in Teaching Award. Ash, who completed her undergraduate studies in biology at Cumberlands and returned to teach, was also honored for ten years of service at the dinner. She received the Excellence in Teaching Award because of her zeal for learning, her thorough knowledge of her subject matter and her deep concern for the academic progress of each student. A challenging and creative professor, her classroom extends beyond the walls of the science building, as she has led students not only on hikes to explore the local, natural environment and directed re-forestation projects on reclaimed surface mines but she has also led groups as far away as Belize in Central America.  All the while, she has worked to create a burning desire to learn within her students. Ash’s hard work, her caring, and her encouragement have led several students to seek careers in field biology and conservation biology. As one colleague remarked, “the success of many students is the fruit of her commitment to teaching.”

Also at the dinner, 24 faculty and staff members received recognition for their faithful years of service to Cumberlands. 

Two individuals, Jana Bailey, vice president of finance, and Dr. Michael Colegrove, vice president of student services, were honored for 35 years of service. 

Jane Carter, Business Administration, was honored for 30 years with the University.

Four employees received recognition for 25 years:  Sharon Douglas, development; Dr. Cindi Norton, health, exercise and sports science (HESS); Norma Patrick, education; and Pearl Wingeier, resident hall. 

Recognized for 20 years of service were: David Bergman, alumni services; Peggy Blackmore-Haus, athletic training, HESS; Dr. David Etter, music; Dr. Gina Herring, English; Dr. John Hymo, mathematics; Dr. Keith Semmel, communication/theatre arts; David Threlkeld, music; and Dr. Todd Yetter, biology.

Geraldine Allen, art, and Kay Silcox, Cumberland Inn, have served for 15 years.

Those recognized for ten years of service were:  Dr. Sara Ash, biology; G. Maurice “Moe” Conn, theatre arts; Gloria Fritts, student services; Dr. Joan Hembree, biology; Linda McGarvey, library; Dr. Vernon McGlone, business administration; and Janet Moses, development.