Faculty and Staff Member of the Year Announced

FOR RELEASE  May 17, 2001
HUNTINGTON, IN—Each year Huntington College students select an outstanding member of the faculty to be named “Professor of the Year” and faculty and staff members along with the Senior Leadership Team select one staff member who has earned the right to be titled, “Staff Member of the Year.”  This year Dr. Linda Urschel has been named “Professor of the Year” and Mrs. Jennie Bixler has been selected as “Staff Member of the Year.” 

Dr. Linda Urschel was announced as “Professor of the Year” during the annual Forester Night held this year on May 8.  Dr. Urschel, Professor of English and Department Chair, received her Ph.D. in English from Ball State University. She specializes in developmental writing, and has participated in professional meetings and published several articles. Her hobbies are folklore, oral history, and reading—especially murder mysteries. She often travels with her family to historical sites. Dr. Urschel is very active in her church, Central Christian, where she serves as Elder, teaches the older adult Sunday School class, and sings in the choir.

As a professor, she is well received by her students.  Molly Deuberry, a graduating senior, said of Dr. Urschel, “She is a fabulous role model for all women.  As a Christian, a professional, and a friend she is truly deserving of this award.”

In Recognition for her outstanding service to the College, Jennie Bixler has been chosen as the 2000-2001 “Staff Member of the Year.”  Bixler was surprised with this award during the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Banquet this last Tuesday, May 15.  Bixler has served as the College’s Secretary to the Education Department for the past six years, but has been at the College for a total of 12 years in a variety of positions.

Her co-workers said of her, “Jennie is an outstanding employee and often goes above and beyond the call of duty to accomplish the task.  She demonstrates a wonderful student-centered approach to her work and is a gifted and quiet servant to faculty and staff.  She is able to accomplish many administrative tasks without prodding or oversight.  She is professional, cheerful, humble, willing to learn and ready to take on larger roles.  What a great asset she is to Huntington College students, faculty, and administrators and very deserving of this honor.”