Kudos: Faculty members and student receive awards, fellowship

Ovrick receives John Neff Award from GCTM

Robyn Ovrick, a senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education at UGA’s Griffin campus, was awarded the 2020 John Neff Award from the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This award is presented to a full-time, post-secondary educator who is recognized as an inspirer, mentor, and advocate of mathematics and mathematics education.

Stefaniak named USG Chancellor’s Learning Scholar

Jill Stefaniak, an assistant professor in the Department of Career and Information Studies, was recently selected to join the University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor’s Learning Scholars. The fellowship began on Sept. 21 and will last two years.

The Chancellor’s Learning Scholars serve as facilitators for USG Faculty Learning Communities, which provide faculty and staff the opportunity to enhance their understanding of topics related to teaching and learning. Scholars receive extensive support and training with teams of experts from USG’s Centers for Teaching and Learning. These workshops allow participants to focus on course enrichment strategies, such as interactive lectures, inclusive pedagogies, and integrated course designs.

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White awarded Karen King Excellence in Advocacy Award

Dorothy Yazidah White, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education, received the inaugural Karen King Excellence in Advocacy Award from the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators for supporting mathematics educators from underrepresented populations in the field and advocating for strong mathematics education for all. She will formally receive the award, which is presented once every three years, at the association’s conference in February.

Cárdenas Bautista receives NLPA Distinguished Student Service Award

Elizabeth Cárdenas Bautista (Ph.D. ’23), a doctoral student in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, received the 2020 Distinguished Student Service Award from the National Latinx Psychological Association. This award is given to a graduate student who has made outstanding service contributions to the U.S. Latina/o community. She will receive the award on Thursday, Oct. 29 at the virtual student awards ceremony and celebration.

“Being named this year’s recipient is a true honor as it highlights the importance and impact of service to the community, especially the communities in which we were raised,” she said. “When we dedicate services and resources and work with communities, we can heal and transform together. As we grow professionally and personally, so must our commitment to service for the community.”

Bautista’s research interests include multicultural counseling, liberation psychology, Latinx psychology, social justice, and advocacy. Additionally, her clinical practice extends to providing bilingual/bicultural counseling services to Latinx populations in Athens at the College’s La Clinica in LaK’ech and Mercy Health Center.