Big congratulations to Dr. Jo-Ann Lipford Sanders, dean of the School of Behavioral Science and Education, this year鈥檚 recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Educator Award, presented by the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services.
鈥淚 was so surprised yet humbled with this honor,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he Chamber has such a fine history of service to our community鈥檚 educational systems. To be recognized and honored by this august body is more special than I am able to articulate.鈥
As dean, Jo-Ann models the highest levels of integrity, fairness and selfless concern for Heidelberg, along with excellence in teaching, research and administration.
But wait 鈥 there鈥檚 more. Jo-Ann makes it a priority to demonstrate her commitment to diversity at Heidelberg and within the Master of Arts in Counseling program (MAC), which she oversees. She鈥檚 a huge advocate of teamwork and collaboration across campus and in counseling circles.
All of these qualities make her the ideal recipient of the award, which was presented Thursday at the Chamber鈥檚 34th annual Administrators and Educators Appreciation Breakfast.
Provost Dr. Beth Schwartz nominated Jo-Ann for the award and presented it to her. 鈥淒r. Sanders has demonstrated vision, leadership and a commitment to the improvement of education both here at Heidelberg and beyond in the state of Ohio,鈥 the provost said.
Jo-Ann was recognized for guiding the graduate counseling program through the arduous accreditation process by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Under her direction, the MAC program has been recognized as a top counseling grad program in Ohio, based on affordability, dual-licensure options in mental health counseling and school counseling and its career-focused curriculum.
Jo-Ann and the MAC faculty also received several million dollars in federal grant funding to train counselors to work with at-risk children to address unmet needs in Health Professional Shortage Areas in northwest Ohio as well as several rural Ohio cities.
The award will serve as motivation for Jo-Ann to continue her high level of activity, both on campus and in professional circles.
鈥淚 feel inspired by my colleagues to become more active and supportive in our mission. Many thanks,鈥 she said.