Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Teacher and student earn top awards
 Dr. Kevin J. Valadares, associate professor of health services/administration, and Jamie L. Johnson, a summa cum laude graduate, will receive awards at the University of Southern Indiana Commencement ceremony at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. Valadares will be named distinguished professor and Johnson will be presented the President’s Medal.A faculty member since 2001, Valadares is program director of the undergraduate program in health services and the Master of Science in Health Administration program. Both programs are in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. His highly interactive teaching style and commitment to advising are well known on campus. He has been a leader in using technology to enhance student learning activities in classes he teaches on campus as well as online. Since joining USI, Valadares has written or served as co-author of 10 peer review articles and has an additional 10 articles under review or in process. A co-authored book, Ethics and Health Care in a Pluralistic Society, will be published in January 2010 by Health Administration Press. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Health Administration Ethics. He earned a doctorate in healthcare ethics from St. Louis University in 2003. The recipient of the Integra Distinguished Professor Award is chosen by colleagues on the USI faculty. As Distinguished Professor, Valadares will receive a grant from Integra Bank, select a student to receive a scholarship in his name next year, and deliver the address at the fall Commencement in December 2009. Johnson to receive President’s Medal The President’s Medal is recognition for Johnson’s leadership in student activities, her service to the University, and her academic work in the Pott College of Science and Engineering. Over the last two years she has served as the student member of the USI Board of Trustees, appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels. She also served as associate vice president of Academic Affairs for the Student Government Association (SGA) and president of the Pre-Health Club, an organization she helped establish. She was among college students nationwide to be named a 2008 Goldwater Scholar for academic merit. A graduate of Castle High School, Johnson will attend Indiana University School of Medicine in the fall. She is the daughter of Brent and Lisa Johnson. Her interests outside the classroom include running, reading, and attending theatrical and musical productions. It is a USI tradition to recognize a student for academic excellence and a commendable record of University service. The President’s Medal is the highest award given to a graduating senior at USI. Other USI senior finalists for the President’s Medal are Abbie Balbach, Christoph Burger, Danielle Harrison, and Michael Patzer. The Student Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate selects the President’s Medal recipient. Commencement will be held at Roberts Stadium with over 1,500 students eligible to graduate this year. President H. Ray Hoops, who is retiring at the end of June, will deliver the Commencement address. Kathy Funke News and Information Services 812/465-7050 or kfunke@usi.edu |
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