University News
2007 COEHS Awards
September 7, 2007
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University's College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) recognized several faculty members for their outstanding contributions to the University at its annual opening school reception Aug. 30.
Renee Polubinsky, assistant professor of kinesiology, was named the COEHS 2007 Teacher of the Year. Polubinsky, who directs the athletic training education program and is the internship coordinator, has taught at Western since 2002. Before joining WIU's faculty, she was an assistant professor and associate athletic trainer/clinical coordinator at Concordia University.
"As program director, Renee has improved the quality of the program in ways that we could not have predicted five years ago when she was hired. She has worked tirelessly on the accreditation renewal and developed opportunities for the students to document ‘learning over time,' a critical component of the accreditation process, by revising the curriculum to meet accreditation standards" said Miriam Satern, chair of the kinesiology department. "Her hard work resulted in the renewal of the program's accreditation through 2010. Her strong work ethic and dedication to the program is noticed and respected by both faculty and students in the kinesiology department."
Cathy McMillan, assistant professor of kinesiology, received the COEHS 2007 Award for Outstanding Service. McMillan joined Western's faculty in 1990. Before joining Western's faculty she was the fitness and wellness director of the YMCA of McDonough County. McMillan was named the COEHS Teacher of the Year in 2002, along with Outstanding Teacher awards in 1993 and 1994. In addition to teaching exercise science and fitness courses, McMillan also directs the health-related fitness testing for all Macomb-area K-5th grade children, with approximately 900-1,000 children participated in the testing each year. She also directs fitness assessment screenings twice a year for Office of Public Safety, as well as City of Macomb police and firefighter applicants. In addition she coordinates and directs a personal training program for WIU employees in which her students design individualized exercise programs, provide screenings and work as personal trainers.
"I believe and embrace wellness and for me, wellness mirrors service. Service and wellness both provide the opportunity to be engaged in an active process of making choices and commitments that enhance the quality of life and maximize personal potential," McMillan said. "Service can provide the 'tie that binds:' it's where theory meets practice, where professional knowledge can actually be put into 'real world' settings and where the sharing of life experiences actually take place. Being involved in service stimulates interest and involvement. I'm able to link academic study to community activity and I believe that it's important for those in higher education to foster learning in the community."
Donna McCaw, educational leadership associate professor, received the 2007 COEHS Outstanding Scholarly/Professional Activity Award. McCaw, who came to WIU in 1999, has been involved . Prior to joining WIU's faculty, she was a principal in the Monmouth (IL) School District.
"Dr. McCaw has made contributions at all levels – local, regional, national and international. One of the most innovative areas of research that Dr. McCaw has developed is her work with Dr. Watkins into questions that school boards should be asking their administrators relatve to improving student achievement. Based upon their research, they have been offered a contract to develop a book centered on the 20 questions identified," said Robert Hall, educational leadership chair. "Additionally, Dr. McCaw's grant activity with United Township High School in East Moline and the six elementary feeder districts has been held up as a model by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. She is passionate about improving educational opportunities for students."
Educational and interdisciplinary studies associate professor Jim LaPrad was named the recipient of the 2007 Award for Innovative Use of Technology. LaPrad joined the WIU department in 2003. Prior to that, he was expedition leader and a math and science teacher for the Discovery Program for Prospect Heights Middle School.
"Dr. LaPrad has proven his dedication to enhancing teaching and learning through the use of technology in many ways. He was a successful participant in the Faculty Innovators program, and as a result, he created substantial technology projects," said Dawn Sweet, instructional technology systems manager in the College of Education and Human Services. "He rose to the challenge of using the technology on his own and supervising the use of the technology by his students. Together, Dr. LaPrad and his studens created countless audio recordings, more than 500 digital images and more than three hours of video footage that was assembled into a multi-episode podcast and published worldwide to Apple iTunes."
Donna Bradford, a law enforcement and justice administration adviser in the COEHS Advising Center, was named Outstanding Academic Adviser of the Year. Bradford joined Western's staff in 1990.
"She handles a very large caseload of advisees and she is especially helpful with new students. They are often anxious when they first meet with their academic adviser and don't know what to expect. Donna immediately puts them at ease," said her nominators. "We love working with Donna. She is fun, is concerned about the welfare of others and is an advocate for her students. She is a dedicated employee and has a strong work ethic."
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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