Fall 2023

Congratulations to the Fall 2023 Pure Gold Award Recipients!

August 2023

RESEARCH: Karen Melton

Associate Professor, Department of Human Sciences and Design

"As a new tenure-track faculty member in Child & Family Studies, Karen Melton has been instrumental in helping me to foster research collaborations. As one example, she invited me to participate in weekly, interdisciplinary research presentations among faculty at the BRIGHTS Center whose goal is to catalyze research on human flourishing. With her guidance, these colloquia helped me form collegial relationships with other faculty members across campus while also allowing me to receive meaningful feedback about my research." —Nick Frye

TEACHING: Jeremy Hathway

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"In the words of one of his former students, 'Professor Hathway wholeheartedly embodies an educator who does what it takes to make every student feel capable, successful, and appreciated.' This gifted teacher deeply cares for his students, their learning, and well-being. He has taught Anatomy & Physiology, Technology & Science in CSD and a graduate level Voice Pathology course. Praise for his patience, ability to explain concepts, and genuine interest in student success is heard each semester." —Nadine Welch

SERVICE: Emily Sandvall

Director of Clinical Operations, Department of Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy

"Emily joined the team in November 2022, and although she is 'new' to our team, she has 15 years with the Baylor family. She has worked tirelessly through some challenging situations with an upbeat attitude, a smiling face, and TONS of encouragement for all. While her transition to our team has been challenging, she has handled it with grace, poise, and a positive and upbeat attitude. She has given unselfishly of her time, energy, and support to every member... she is ALWAYS available." —Lee Barton

CULTURE: Ashlynn Kilpatrick

Admissions Program Manager, Department of Occupational Therapy

"Ashlynn embodies the Christian culture of Baylor. She has helped develop and grow the admissions and recruitment process for the OTD program. She makes future Baylor bears feel welcome, loved, and part of the Baylor family through her tireless efforts to mentor them into our program. Regardless of if she is reaching out to students via social media, recruiting events, zoom, or email, you can feel her warm smile, open heart, and willingness to help our students transition to the Baylor OTD family." —Kelly Layne

September 2023

RESEARCH: Megan Flores

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy

"Since joining Baylor, Dr. Megan Flores has excelled in research. Dr. Flores has submitted numerous grants, publications, and national presentations. Dr. Flores not only collaborates with the Department of Physical Therapy, but also within Robbins College. Recently, she submitted a NIH grant with faculty from University of Tennesse exploring the language and motor development of racially/ethnically diverse infants and toddlers with Down syndrome. We are so blessed to have Dr. Flores at Baylor." —Anne Boddy

TEACHING: Kayla Collins

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy

"I enthusiastically nominate Dr. Collins for her exceptional teaching, marked by inventive approaches and current best-practices in hybrid teaching. Her creative methods foster engaging learning environments, making complex concepts accessible for students. She is an inspiration and offers unwavering support to faculty, shaping a culture of excellence in education." —Bridget Scheidler

SERVICE: Amanda Singh

Admissions Manager, Department of Physical Therapy

"Amanda continually raises the bar with her performance as the DPT admissions manager. She provides a truly personalized experience for over 750 applications each year, while also doing an amazing job guiding the admissions committee. The fact that she can successfully manage this many applicants while being an integral part of our recruitment efforts, including seeking out, organizing, and carrying out new marketing events throughout the year, simply blows me away. She's the best!" —Kyle Adams

CULTURE: Victoria Willigar

Office Manager, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

"Working with Victoria has been such a joy! I have been at Baylor for many years and have witnessed changes in collegiality and working dynamics among faculty and staff. Victoria revived Bearbite, a monthly gathering for faculty, staff, and grad students. This initiative was crucial in maintaining the sense of community within HHPR. Victoria has been very willing and open to taking on new responsibilities outside of her primary function since a staff line was lost. She is worthy of this award." —Jaeho Shim

October 2023

RESEARCH: Kristen Muller

Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"Kristen Muller is not only an exceptional researcher herself, but also an outstanding mentor who actively engages students in research. Her commitment to promoting scholarly work is evident through her willingness to discuss and provide insightful feedback on research ideas. Kristen is a true collaborator, always ready to lend her support, without expecting anything in return. She is selflessly dedicated to the advancement of research and the growth of her peers, students, and participants." —Alison Prahl

TEACHING: Jacob Brewer

Clinical Associate Professor and MSMS Program Director, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

"Dr. Jacob Brewer's Baylor debut is extraordinary; he executed a master's program in under a year, emphasizing a robust online curriculum and expert faculty recruitment. Beyond academics, his impact is significant. Students value his graciousness and prayerful approach. Regardless of their faith backgrounds, this practice fosters a sense of unity and touches the hearts of students. It has been an honor to observe Jacob’s leadership, as he embodies Baylor's Christian mission with grace and dedication." —Theresa Hagan

SERVICE: Jessica Feda

Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Student Affairs, Department of Physical Therapy

"Jess Feda is phenomenal at her job as Director of Student Affairs for the Department of Physical Therapy. She excels at making our students feel safe, comfortable, and valued. Dr. Feda puts in time and miles by offering students one-on-one 'Walk and Talks' during lab immersions, giving students an opportunity to compassionately be heard as they stroll around campus. She truly champions the Robbins College value of service by investing time, resources, and Christian values for ALL students!" —Megan Flores

CULTURE: Marian Gillard

Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy

"Dr. Gillard displays a strong commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among her faculty. She actively creates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. She goes above and beyond to support the research projects of her faculty members, providing guidance, resources, and encouragement to ensure their success. Furthermore, she recognizes the importance of work-life balance and actively supports her staff members in managing their personal time." —Bridget Scheidler

November 2023

RESEARCH: Cory Dungan

Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

"Dr. Dungan's research seeks to enhance the physical abilities of individuals who experience muscle wasting or impairments to building muscle tissue. His current research aims, and multiple grant submissions, focus, at the cellular level, on what causes physical bodies to weaken and how to help prevent this. Dr. Dugan has involved several Baylor colleagues on these grants demonstrating his obvious leadership and collegiality. If successful, Dr. Dugan will ensure we all can be 'mighty mice!'" —Andrew Meyer

TEACHING: Nadine Welch

Associate Chair of Residential Academic Programs, Clinical Associate Professor, and Undergraduate Program Director, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"Nadine Welch embodies excellence in teaching, going beyond traditional methods with her innovative approaches to meet the diverse needs of her students. She integrates real-world examples and hands-on activities into her instruction that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical ways. Her engaging teaching style, her care, and her genuine love for the material creates a positive and dynamic learning environment. She works to empower each student to reach their full potential." —Michaela Ritter

SERVICE: Eva Doyle

Chair, Professor, and Graduate Program Director, Department of Public Health

"Dr. Eva Doyle is an exemplary leader who has given her time and talents for over 20 years to guide our public health program. She created and directed Baylor’s first MPH program and led the development of three MPH majors, MPH Online, and PhD program. Currently, she is completing her 6th year as Chair of the Department of Public Health. She is a humble servant who always puts her colleagues first. She is a visionary who leads with integrity, empathy, and courage. It is an honor to work with her." —Beth Lanning

CULTURE: Susan Sherman

Clinical Associate Professor and Residential Graduate Program Director, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"Susan embodies a culture of faith. She shares words of encouragement to her students and colleagues, she radiates joy, boisterously cheers on Waco and Baylor. When you enter a meeting or classroom with Mrs. Sherman, you will enter to a room filled with praise and worship music. She leads Bible studies each semester with graduate students in CSD and encourages faculty to participate. Susan's joy and faithfulness are contagious!" —Nicki Brown