FHSU University Communications
The annual Spring Convocation at Fort Hays State University was held May 9. President Tisa Mason and Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, recognized the winners of the Spring Semester 2025 faculty and staff awards.
Navigator Award:
The Navigator Award was presented to Falynn Rogers from the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. The award was established in 1998 by the Student Government Association to recognize an outstanding academic advisor based on how closely the advisor adheres to the university's goals for academic advising.
Rogers exemplifies the spirit of the Navigator Advising Award through her dedication, communication, and support for her students.
“Falynn goes above and beyond to ensure students understand their educational requirements, feel confident in their goals, and are equipped with the resources they need to succeed,” Arensdorf said.
Outstanding Graduate Advisor:
The Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award recognizes a faculty member who is an advisor of graduate students and provides leadership and service in other activities on campus. The award was presented to Dr. Blake Roth from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Roth was selected for the award because of his exceptional mentorship and dedication to student success. Multiple students submitted detailed nominations highlighting his consistent support, clear guidance, and commitment to helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
Cross-Border Educational Excellence Award:
The Cross-Border Education Excellence Award was given to Christopher Adams, Instructor of Leadership in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology. The award was established to recognize an individual who exemplifies excellence in contributing to FHSU students’ academic experiences at a cross-border partner institution.
Adams, who teaches at Shenyang Normal University in China, has significantly impacted his program through his expertise in Chinese education and curriculum development.
Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award:
The Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award was presented to Christina Mergen, Academic Advisor in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
The Edmund Shearer Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic advising of students. Shearer, a former Chair of the Department of Chemistry, was known for the high value he placed on student advisement. One advisor can be recognized from each of the five academic colleges.
Mergen has shown dedication, organization, and leadership values that have impacted FHSU student success.
“She provides personalized, proactive support to students, guiding them through complex academic paths with clarity and care,” Arensdorf said.
With Mergen, fellow nominees for this award included: Debra Staab, Academic Advisor from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and Kristin Hernandez, Academic Advisor from the College of Education.
Spring Outstanding Faculty Award winners:
Dr. Kenton Olliff, Associate Professor of Advanced Education, received the Outstanding Teaching Award.
Dr. Ran An, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, received the Outstanding Scholarly Activity Award.
Dr. Jennifer Bechard, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, was selected for the Service Award.
All recipients received a $500 award for their accomplishments, thanks to the generosity and support of Commerce Bank. In addition to the monetary gift, the college deans are providing an additional $250 in the budget of the recipient's department.
Olliff was recognized for integrating clinical expertise, especially in substance abuse counseling, into a student-centered and practice-informed curriculum.
“Kenton’s compassionate, experience-driven approach prepares students for both academic and professional success,” Arensdorf said.
An was recognized for her exceptional research productivity, numerous national and international conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and successful grant awards.
“Her work addresses timely, practical issues in speech-language pathology, including culturally responsive assessments and services for underserved communities,” Arensdorf said.
Bechard was recognized with the Outstanding Service Award for her leadership and service at FHSU and beyond.
“Jennifer’s extensive service, including mentoring students and guiding departmental improvements, has significantly impacted both the university and the broader community,” Arensdorf said.
The honorees will join three other faculty members recognized for teaching, research, and scholarly activity in the Fall 2024 semester, as candidates for the Faculty Member-of-the-Year Award. The recipient of the upcoming award, along with a $1,000 prize, will be announced at the Fall Convocation in August.
These six faculty members (spring and fall) are eligible for the award and selected by the Academic Council.