Polytechnic faculty, staff awarded, recognized

Faculty and staff in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute were recognized in May for their achievements during the 2019-2020 academic year.

“Congratulations to all for your hard work and dedication,” said Gary Bertoline, dean of Purdue Polytechnic. “Each of your individual contributions combined contributed greatly to our college’s success.”

The faculty and staff listed below received awards and recognitions.

Staff Awards

  • Academic Advisor: Cassie Pendleton, academic advisor, engineering technology
  • Business Office: Melissa Walters, business manager
  • Customer Service: Amanda Wilson, senior administrative assistant, engineering technology; and Zach Rodimel, digital marketing manager
  • Leadership: Payton Drake, graphic designer
  • Statewide Excellence: Caleb Hale, mechanician, Polytechnic Richmond

Equity, Inclusion & Advocacy Awards

  • Staff: Robert Cox, senior associate dean for globalization
  • Faculty: Craig Miller, professor of computer graphics technology

Faculty Awards

  • Outstanding Faculty in Learning: Greg Strimel, assistant professor of engineering/technology teacher education
  • Murphy, Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching (selected by students at college level): Timothy Ropp, associate professor of practice in aviation technology; Bedrich Benes, G.W. McNelly Professor of Computer Graphics Technology; and Hazar Dib, associate professor of construction management and computer graphics technology
  • Exceptional Early Career: Nicole Hands, clinical assistant professor of computer and information technology
  • Excellence in Instruction, Continuing Lecturer: Michele Walker, Polytechnic Richmond
  • Outstanding Faculty in Discovery: Mesut Akdere, associate professor of human resource development
  • Outstanding Faculty in Engagement: Mike Suckow, associate professor of practice in aviation technology
  • John P. Lisack Early-Career Engagement: Vetria Byrd, associate professor of computer graphics technology
  • Outstanding Graduate Faculty Mentor: John Mott, associate professor of aviation technology
  • Outstanding Faculty Leadership in Globalization: Colin Gray, associate professor of computer graphics technology

Service Anniversaries

  • 10 Years: Brad Benhart, associate professor of practice, construction management technology; J. Michael Davis, assistant professor of practice, aviation technology; Hazar Dib, associate professor of construction management and computer graphics technology; Raymond Hassan, associate professor of practice, computer graphics technology; Jay Hedden, senior lecturer, aviation technology; Dawn Laux, clinical associate professor of computer and information technology; Alejandra Magana, professor of computer and information technology; Nathan Mentzer, associate professor of technology leadership and innovation; Danielle Reynolds, student services coordinator, Polytechnic New Albany; Mitch Springer, executive director, Purdue Online – Polytechnic; David Whittinghill, associate professor of computer graphics technology and computer and information technology
  • 15 Years: Lori Butchko, student services coordinator, Polytechnic South Bend; Michael D. Davis, director of aircraft maintenance; Eric Dietz, professor of computer and information technology; Michael Kane, associate professor of computer and information technology; Linda Naimi, associate professor of organizational leadership and supervision; Debbie Tutak, administrative assistant, technology leadership and innovation
  • 20 Years: Richard Fanjoy, associate professor of aviation technology; Sarah Leach, associate professor of mechanical engineering technology; Ron Sterkenburg, professor of aviation technology
  • 25 Years; Kevin Dittman, associate professor of computer and information technology; Jeff Griffin, director, Polytechnic Kokomo; Janet Hicks, executive assistant, Dean’s Office; Richard Kopp, associate professor of computer graphics technology
  • 30 Years; Rose DeLong Bolyard, lead academic advisor, aviation technology; Bob Herrick, Robert A. Hoffer Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology; Craig Miller, professor of computer graphics technology; Mary Ann Prah, senior program specialist, technology leadership and innovation; David Riegle, student services coordinator, Polytechnic Anderson
  • 35 Years; Victor Barlow, assistant professor of computer and information technology; Karl Perusich, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering technology; Brian Stirm, air operations technical specialist, aviation technology

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