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Capella University, an accredited online university, announces 2010 Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Award recipients
The online degree provider recognized six faculty members for their outstanding contributions
MINNEAPOLIS, April 19, 2010 - Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults, announced the recipients of the 2010 Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Awards, which are presented annually to an outstanding faculty member from each of the university's schools. Nearly 34,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella University (http://www.capella.edu), with 33 percent enrolled in Capella's doctoral degree programs, and 48 percent enrolled in Capella's master's degree programs.
The award is named in honor of Capella University's founding president and chairman, the late Dr. Harold Abel. Recipients are chosen by faculty leadership across the university in consultation with the executive academic leadership team. The 2010 Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Award winners are:
Kelley Chappell, PhD – Dr. Chappell was selected for her work launching Capella's new BS in Psychology degree program, including supervising the course development and serving as acting faculty chair for the program. She was selected as the recipient from the Harold Abel School of Psychology, now the Department of Psychology of the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Cheryl Doran, PhD - Dr. Doran, core faculty in Capella's School of Education, was honored for her performance as interim content lead for postsecondary and adult education, her excellence in the courseroom, and her additional contributions to the school, such as chairing the faculty review panel.
Benjamin Noah, PhD – Dr. Noah received the award from Capella's School of Public Service Leadership for leading the development and oversight of the school's important first course, along with his exemplary performance as a mentor to both new and long-time students.
Tina Stavredes, PhD – A core faculty member for Capella's School of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Stavredes was selected for her accomplished teaching, as well as her innovative instructional strategies, which have often been adopted as standard procedure throughout the school and university.
Kathryn van Asselt, PhD – Dr. van Asselt was recognized for her outstanding work on Capella's counseling programs, including her role as a subject matter expert in the development of Capella's PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. She was also lauded for her contributions to the field of counseling, including publication in two peer-reviewed journals, both as first author, and national and state presentations on leadership and advocacy. Dr. van Asselt was selected as the recipient from the School of Human Services, now the Department of Counseling of the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Mary Whitman, DBA – Capella's School of Business and Technology selected Dr. Whitman for the motivational approach she brings to teaching and mentoring doctoral students, as well as her collaborative, innovative contributions to such tasks as the PhD colloquium revision and the scientific merit reviews of dissertation proposals.
"We have an exceptional group of faculty members at Capella, and it is difficult each year to choose whom to honor with the Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Award," said Deborah Bushway, PhD, Capella University's vice president, academic affairs, and provost. "These six faculty members have truly distinguished themselves as inspirational teachers and faculty leaders, and we're proud to recognize them with this coveted award."
About the award
The Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Award is named for the late Dr. Harold Abel, who co-founded Capella with Stephen Shank and served as its first president, as well as chancellor and chair of the university's board of directors. Dr. Abel had a 44-year career as an educator. His dedication to quality and innovation is honored by this award, which recognizes faculty excellence and leadership. The awards have been given annually since 1999.
About Capella University
Capella University is an accredited online university that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. More than 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral online degree programs in business, counseling, education, human services, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 129 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. Nearly 34,000 learners were enrolled as of Dec. 31, 2009, from all 50 states and 52 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
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*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
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