Eastern’s Faculty Development program received an award from the Professional Organizational Development Network.

The Network is an international organization that focuses on improving higher education.

Mildred Pearson, director of Faculty Development learned the program had won the 2006 Innovation Award before she attended the network’s conference in October.

As part of the award, Pearson was given the opportunity to present at a poster conference which was a highlight of the conference. She was able to showcase all of the outstanding programs that form the basis for the “Promoting the Wholesome Professor while providing teaching, research, and service” motto that she has implemented at Eastern since becoming the director of Faculty Development.

“It is truly an honor to receive this national award,” Person said. “I already knew from the attendance at our Faculty Development events and from the various assessment tools that our program uses, that the ‘Wholesome Professor’ approach was well-received.”

Before being granted the award, Pearson had to submit a detailed proposal that described the various parts of the programs that would be assessed by the award selection committee. Some of the programs included: faculty appreciation day, new faculty orientation, faculty mentoring circles connection program, and new faculty wine and cheese reception.

A committee of POD Network members representing various programs and institutions selected seven entries that were judged to be strongest using the criteria of originality, scope and results, transferability, and effectiveness.

“I was elated and my heart was filled with joy knowing that I represented our institution and had followed my heart,” Pearson said. “Sometimes you do things just because your heart knows they’re right. This award validates those feelings and encourages us to continue forward.”

Faculty Development tries to help newer faculty feel more welcome on campus and gives them the opportunity to work with veteran faculty members to help them with professional and personal situations they may come across. In doing so, faculty development reached many goals they have set for themselves and will continue to do great things with their programs.

“The support Faculty Development has received from all constituents on campus has been phenomenal, and we hope to continue to offer exciting and innovative events which will challenge and enrich the faculty here on Eastern’s campus, for there is no place like home,” Pearson said.