Emma Jean Couture, coordinator of Cedar Hall Even Start, said, “She is lovingly referred to by our parents as the ‘Brain Lady.’ Maggie builds brain models with our parents to assist in instruction about brain development, the parts of the brain that control various behaviors, and the importance of parent-child interactions in the early years.”

Her impact on the parents goes beyond teaching them about child development. “Maggie’s relationship with the parents and her respect for their life situations offer parents a new perspective. Parents get a sense of what classes are like at a higher education level, and some aspire to attend college as a result,” Couture said.

Felton also commits time and energy to programs for young women. As a member of the Girl Culture Steering Committee, she was instrumental in bringing Lauren Greenfield’s “Girl Culture” photography exhibition on young women and body image to the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science; helped bring Greenfield herself to USI; and arranged for USI students to serve as docents for the exhibition.

She has worked with the Girl Scouts of Raintree Council on several projects, including a service learning project with USI students exploring the effect of media on young girls.

Dr. Julie Evey, assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said, “Maggie Felton uses her knowledge and compassion to better this community. Not only does she devote her own time and expertise to important causes, she has literally involved hundreds of students in such endeavors.”

Felton joined the University in 1998. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Villanova University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology and post-masters specialist degree in psychology from the University of Evansville.

The Sydney and Sadelle Berger Faculty Community Service Award is made possible by the Bergers’ son Charles and his wife Leslie.