Celebrating Chatham's Faculty Awards for Spring 2020
Each year at Closing Convocation, we like to recognize faculty who have gone above and beyond for the betterment of Chatham students and the Chatham community at large. Despite the postponement of Spring Commencement-related activities, congratulations are still in order for the 2020 recipients. Join us in congratulating Dr. Jennie Sweet-Cushman, the recipient of the 2019-2020 academic year Buhl Professorship, and Jennifer Morse, Ph.D., the recipient of the 2019-2020 academic year Jane Burger Advising Award.
Jennie Sweet-Cushman, Ph.D.
Political Science
Associate Professor
Recipient of the 2020 Buhl Professorship
“By all measures, Jennie is an outstanding and highly accomplished scholar, teacher, and community leader.”
-Jessie Ramey, Academic Affairs Department Director, Women's Institute & Associate Professor
The Buhl Professorship is awarded annually to the member of the faculty who has most distinguished oneself in teaching, creative effort, or otherwise... to recognize and encourage accomplishment of a high order. The award recipient is selected based on the nominations of fellow faculty members who recognize the recipients dedication to teaching and scholarship.
Dr. Jennie Sweet-Cushman is a professor who constantly seeks to push herself and her students. She actively involves her students in her research on women in politics, and promotes the civic engagement of her students, constantly evolving her classroom to keep coursework relevant and interesting. Last year, she was one of only fifteen scholars invited to present at the American Political Science Association Centennial Center Teaching Workshop in which she presented the use of social media learning as a pedagogical tool.
When asked about her teaching style Dr. Jennie Sweet-Cushman responded, “The most basic tenant of my entire orientation to my job is ‘do what you love, love what you do,’ and I so definitely do. I don't think everyone can say that in the course of their lives, so I think I'm very fortunate to really genuinely love working at the university, with our students and on research that I feel really passionately about… It's almost embarrassing how much I adore my students. They inspire me everyday to be better and work harder, and I am so very proud of the people they go on to become.”
She would like to thank her family for their support that allows her to do the work she is doing and receive this award. “It is really special to me to be recognized this way because I couldn't love Chatham more. It is such a special place and I am frankly still in awe of what a privilege it is for me to call it home.”
Jennifer Morse, Ph.D.
Health Sciences
Associate Professor
Recipient of the 2020 Jane Burger Advising Award
“Jen is one of the most intelligent, but humble individuals I have ever met, and she has taught me both explicitly and through her actions about the importance of cultural humility.”
-Luke Collier, Graduate Student PsyD Doctor of Psychology
The Jane Burger Advising Award, established in honor of class of 1966 alumna Dr. Jane Burger, recognizes a faculty advisor who best exemplifies the sensitivity, mentoring spirit, and commitment to students as expressed by Dr. Burger herself. The award recipient is selected based on the nominations of students who share how a particular faculty member has impacted their experience at Chatham University.
Jennifer Morse demonstrates a strong commitment to the academic, personal and professional development of students and engages with causes across the University to support students in and outside of the classroom and strengthen the Chatham community. Her advisees recognize her as someone who pushes them to be an advocate and leader in multiple domains, be it in their academic program or in the community. She encourages her students be active participants in their community by placing them in community-based projects and providing mentorship in the process. One student noted that, “Jen has helped me become an advocate for underserved populations, work through complex ethical dilemmas that occur in my fieldwork, and, most importantly, believe in myself and my own abilities.”
When asked about her advising style Jennifer Morse said, “Advising and mentoring is one of my favorite parts of being at Chatham. I am generally a hands-on, involved advisor. I strive to be responsive to student questions, concerns, and requests. I also try to be transparent about academics, program requirements or competencies, and program processes.”
Congratulations go out to both award recipients! To celebrate more wonderful members of the Chatham community, check out the 2020 Student Awards recipients.