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