Widener University honored eight faculty members Oct. 30 for their high distinction in areas of civic engagement, institutional leadership, research, as well as innovative and distinguished teaching.

An awards ceremony for the honored faculty took place on Widener’s Chester campus.

“Widener proudly celebrates this group of faculty members for the academic excellence and innovation they offer students both in and out of the classroom. It is because of their dedication, and the dedication of all of the university’s esteemed faculty, that Widener continues to provide students with a meaningful and enriching academic experience,” said Provost Andrew Workman.

The awards included:

The Distinguished University Professor Award honoring faculty members of high distinction at the university who also demonstrate the institution is committed to recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service throughout faculty members’ careers.

This year’s recipients were School of Nursing Professor Donna Callaghan, a resident of Williamstown, New Jersey; College of Arts and Sciences Professor Katherine Goodrich, a resident of Lansdowne; and School of Business Administration Professor Brian Larson, a resident of Rose Valley. Larson is also interim associate dean for graduate business programs.

College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor Michael Cocchiarale, a resident of Parkside, was awarded with the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award.

This award is given to a faculty member who has exemplified a history of teaching at the highest level of distinction. It is endowed by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, a Philadelphia-based foundation that provides grants to institutions of higher education for the promotion of excellence in teaching.

The Faculty Award for Civic Engagement serves to recognize the outstanding contributions that faculty members have made in accordance with Widener’s civic engagement mission, as well as solidifying Widener students’ understanding of their social responsibilities, and the impact of their disciplinary learning.

This year’s recipient was Karen May, associate professor in the School of Nursing. May is a resident of Lewes, Delaware.

Paul T. Baker, assistant professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the Outstanding Researcher Award. This award gives recognition to a faculty member who has participated in research and scholarship nationally or internationally, and made a significant contribution through their research, while advancing their profession or discipline as well as the university’s mission and vision. Baker is a resident of Wilmington, Delaware.

The Fitz Dixon Innovation in Teaching Award highlights an individual who has designed, implemented, and assessed an innovative or experimental teaching and learning project.

This award was presented to School of Engineering Associate Teaching Professor Ria Mazumder, a resident of Glen Mills. Her innovative approach integrates collaborative project-based service-learning, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in sustainable engineering, bioinstrumentation, and community engagement, thereby addressing both educational and societal challenges

The Faculty Institutional Leadership Award recognizes a record of leading initiatives that further the university’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives. This year’s award recipient was Lori Simons, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences. Simons is a resident of Newtown Square.

Widener University is a private institution known for its commitment to the personal and professional success of every student, where academic experiences are distinguished by excellence and students develop the leadership qualities employers seek.

Core values of respect, integrity and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative and inclusive approach to learning.

Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks.

Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders and globally engaged citizens.

Find out more about Widener University.