RSU Faculty Recognized as 2024 Students’ Choice Award Winners

Three Rogers State University faculty members have been named by the RSU Faculty Senate and Student Government Association as the winners of the 2024 Students' Choice Awards.

"Early in the fall semester, a joint effort between the RSU Faculty Senate and Student Government Association asked currently enrolled students to nominate faculty members for awards in online, traditional and adjunct instruction," explained Dr. Lory O'Malley, chair of RSU's Faculty Senate and associate professor of psychology and sociology. "Nominations required students to provide qualities exhibited which made them worthy of the award."

According to O'Malley, this year netted the highest number of nominations to date, with a total of 22 faculty members listed.

Each Students' Choice Award winner learned of their selection from Student Government Association President Brysen Morgan and Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Lori O'Malley, who had the pleasure of interrupting classes to present each award recipient with a certificate and balloon bouquet. Award recipients also receive a check from the University.

Faculty members selected for recognition include Charlsie Smith, Rian Burns, and Dr. Donna Sharp.

Charlsie Smith, instructor of nursing, received the Students' Choice Award for online instruction. Comments regarding her work included a strong ability to explain and paint a picture of the situation at hand to enhance learning; teaching for understanding, not just loading up on information; including real life examples; and a commitment to finding the answer even if she doesn't have the answer to a question.

Dr. Donna Sharp, professor of psychology, was selected as the Students' Choice Award recipient for traditional Instruction. Nomination comments provided examples related to her caring and empathy for students; availability to students; and the open and accepting environment she creates in her classroom.

Rian Burns, instructor of psychology, was the Students' Choice Award winner for adjunct instruction. According to her nominations, Burns shares experiences from her career history allowing students to gain better understanding of career paths; gives students the power in learning; and shows great respect for students taking her courses.

Rogers State University is a regional university serving northeastern Oklahoma and is the only four-year public residential university in the Tulsa metropolitan area.

For more information about enrollment or class options, visit www.rsu.edu.