The Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences recently honored three Division of Health Sciences faculty members for exemplary performance in the classroom.

Assistant Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy Jennifer Dickson and Assistant Clinical Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Sara Lolar each earned the Health Care Sciences Teaching Award.

"These HCS awards recognize not only best practice and creativity in instructional approach but a significant commitment to success and scholarly work," said Department of Health Care Sciences Chair Diane Adamo. "It is clear that Sara and Jen's dedication to finding ways to reach and teach students has driven them to develop meaningful and successful learning experiences in and out of the classroom."

Assistant Clinical Professor of Mortuary Science Lauren Budrow earned the Applied Health Sciences Teaching Award.

"Lauren exemplifies dedication to teaching excellence and has been a leader in our department and at Wayne State University in distance education course design and delivery," said Department of Applied Health Sciences Chair Mark Evely. "Lauren works tirelessly to enhance student learning and experiences, and I'm proud that her efforts have been recognized through the Applied Health Sciences Teaching Award."

With anonymous student comments calling the award winners engaging, empathetic, approachable, respected and influential, it's clear that these instructors are dedicated to student success.

"Thank you to the students who nominated me for this award - you inspire me to be a better teacher and mentor every day," said Dickson. "I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love and am very grateful to receive this award."

Lolar echoed those sentiments, saying, "I am lucky to work with such great students who constantly challenge and inspire me."

Budrow said that although teaching can be challenging, "it is so rewarding to help students progress from their first day in the program to the point where they go on to earn their license as funeral service practitioners." She continued, "Student success motivates me to try harder with each cohort. I don't know if I'll ever be the teacher I envision, but it is something I continue to strive for. Recognition for those efforts along the way means a lot."

Congratulations to this year's teaching award winners, and thank you for the energy and expertise you put into preparing WSU Applebaum students to be skilled and compassionate health care providers.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels - from undergraduates to veteran faculty members - translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.