Professional and Scientific Excellence Award

Gloria Betcher, assistant director of graduate education and program coordinator for technical communication, received a Professional and Scientific Excellence Award at the University Convocation, September 22, 2008.  Betcher works with both graduate and undergraduate students on degree planning and teaches courses in medieval literature. The Professional and Scientific Excellence Award recognizes and honors professional and scientific staff members who have been employed by Iowa State University for more than five years and who have achieved excellence in their respective fields. Three $1,500 awards are presented annually with grants from the ISU Foundation.

Betcher's nomination was supported by letters from colleagues in other programs on campus, from colleagues in scholarly associations in medieval studies, and from Ames civic leaders.  Letters were required to cite examples of the nominee's contribution in each of the areas listed below:

• Professional contributions/service within the university (to the university, department or unit, other departments or units, and the P & S system)
• Professional organizations and positions held
• Evidence of career progress (promotions and educational advancements)
• Professional recognitions/contributions beyond the university (community, state, regional, national, international, committees, publications, and recognitions)
• List of publications, papers, and patents (including prepared reports, press releases, articles and presentations)