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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Three Honored With Faculty/Staff Awards

Article Date

June 1, 2005

Oklahoma Baptist University honored three of its faculty with annual awards during spring commencement exercises in late May.

Dr. James Vernon, associate professor of music, received the Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Debbie Blue, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was presented the Meritorious Service Award. Dr. Shawna York, assistant professor of chemistry, received the Promising Teacher Award.

The Distinguished Teaching Award is given to a faculty member who has maintained his or her teaching career in an exemplary fashion, as acknowledged by colleagues and current and former students. The honor includes a $1500 award and an engraved silver tray.

Vernon joined the OBU faculty in 1990. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is chairman of the university's division of music. He received his bachelor of arts degree in music composition and music history from Old Dominion University. He earned his master's degree in music composition and his doctorate of musical arts in music composition from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Meritorious Service Award is given to faculty or staff members who have made a substantial commitment of talent and service to OBU. The honor includes a $1000 award and a plaque.

Blue joined the university's faculty in 1980, teaching mathematics. She was named dean in 1997. She earned her bachelor's degree from OBU and her master's degree in mathematics from the University of Tulsa. She received her doctor of education degree in curriculum and instruction from Oklahoma State University.

The Promising Teacher Award recognizes a junior faculty member who demonstrates outstanding potential as a teacher. The honor includes $500 and a plaque.

York joined the OBU faculty in 2001. She earned her bachelor of science degree from Southern Nazarene University and received her master's and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Oklahoma.

The annual faculty and staff award are funded by OBU alumni John and Janet Marshall Hudson of Edmond, Okla.