Patrick Diantete
Staff Writer
The Walker College of Business recently gave out its annual Awards
for Excellence in 2004.
According to a press release from the Appalachian State University
News Bureau, four Appalachian State faculty members were recipients:
Dr. John W. Dawson received the Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Professor Robert E. McMahon was acknowledged as the outstanding
non-tenured faculty member. Dr. Dawn Medlin received the Excellence
in Service Award. Dr. Todd L. Cherry was honored for his contributions
in research.
For the last eighteen years, Medlin has taught at Appalachian as
a professor in the department of Information Technology, where she
teaches classes of web design, web serving and classes in the E-commerce
field.
Originally from Charlotte, she received her Ed.D from Virginia Tech
and is an Appalachian State alum having completed both her bachelors
and masters degrees here.
Medlin serves on various committees at the university, and she also
involves herself with many activities in the community. She is the
president of the Boone Lion’s Club, and the Webmaster for
FaithBridge United Methodist Church in Blowing Rock.
She describes her classes as challenging, but supportive.
“I try to have a class that is fun and interesting, one with
open communication where I feel that we can learn from each other,”
Medlin said.
Medlin describes this award as her favorite in her career thus far,
taking pride in being a part of the faculty at ASU, serving the
students and the community.
Cherry teaches environmental economics, senior seminar and principles
of economics in the department of economics.
Earning his Ph.D in economics from the University of Wyoming, he
too is an Appalachian graduate having received his BSBA in economics.
Before returning to his alma mater, he was a faculty member at the
University of Central Florida.
Cherry involves himself with many areas of research, mostly dealing
with public policy, largely environmental management and policy.
Many of his research subject matters that he has studied have included
clear air policy, invasive species management, wind energy, health
risks from hazardous chemical exposure, food safety policy and public
good provision. In addition to policy analysis he does quite a bit
of research on the underpinnings of economic theory.
In addition to his extensive research studies, Cherry also helps
prepare the Western North Carolina Economic Index, which is a monthly
report that provides timely information about the current state
of the regional economy.
“The hope is that the report will aid policymakers and community
leaders to make better decisions,” Cherry said.
Cherry was very appreciative in receiving his award.
“It is an honor, and I certainly share the credit with my
colleagues at ASU and other universities,” Cherry said.
As an assistant professor of economics, Dawson is respected for
his dedication to teaching. Along with his work in the economics
department, he helped cultivate the Western North Carolina Economic
Index.
McMahon is a lecturer in the department of marketing and has been
at Appalachian for the last 25 years. During his tenure at the Walker
College of Business he has served as the director of academic advising
and internships for six years.
The College of Business faculty excellence awards are made possible
with contributions from G.A. Sywassink, CEO of Standard Holding
Company of Charlotte. Winners not only receive recognition for their
contributions and accomplishments, they also receive a monetary
reward and a bronze medallion of the university seal. |
