MOUNT VERNON – Faculty and staff at Mount Vernon Nazarene University celebrated their peers during the Excellence In the Call awards reception held Dec. 7 in Foster Hall. Two faculty members were honored — Professor Joy Strickland, Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention and Dr. Jon Bossley, associate professor of biology.
Strickland was honored for her work ethic, resilience and leadership. She is active on the numerous committees and working groups while leading the school’s Center for Student Success. Nominations lauded her support and guidance in the office, and love for MVNU students.
“The criteria celebrated by this award are at the very essence of Joy’s person and work,” stated one of many peer nominations. “Since she arrived at MVNU, Joy has deeply and sacrificially invested her time and efforts in service to the university’s mission. While many things could be said regarding her outstanding work and service, two things in particular stand out. First, Joy is a model of collegiality — the collaborative partner par excellence. Those who have had the pleasure of working with Joy on projects or tasks (which seems like it would be most of us given how many committees, task forces, working groups, etc. she is on) have experienced how thoughtful and strategic Joy is as a collaborator.
"The second thing that stands out is Joy’s determined, unwavering commitment to students. Whether providing leadership to the Center for Student Success, shaping academic policies, or talking with an undeclared advisee, Joy embodies deep care for our students. MVNU is a better place because God has called Joy to MVNU and she has pursued that call with excellence.”
When he was young, Bossley received a calling not only to science but also to teaching. Peers state that when he enters the classroom, “he is prepared, and he creatively delivers the material.” He is devoted to student learning and spends time outside of the classroom with his students, developing professional and personal relationships.
“During Jon’s tenure at MVNU, he has shown a commitment to advancing the mission of the department and the university,” stated one of many peer recommendations. “His creativity and inventiveness allowed him to reimagine what the environmental science program can look like.
"In addition to curricular enhancements, he developed numerous service-learning projects for students in his courses. Not only is it one of MVNU’s aspirations to have our students engaged in service, but these service projects have also provided an opportunity to develop partnerships within the community, for example, Ariel-Foundation Park, Brown Family Environmental Center and Mohican State Park.
"Despite a heavy teaching load, Jon always makes time for his students. He has served as a mentor for students, who may be seeking guidance or for those who are struggling academically, emotionally or spiritually. Jon exudes excellence in all he does, so I am grateful he is being recognized for his contributions.”
The quarterly award includes recognition at an employee reception, a certificate and $500. The honor was developed and sponsored by donors, who are members of the faculty and staff, to applaud outstanding work, service, innovation, collegiality, and peer leadership as recognized and nominated from their peers. Nominations are reviewed by the Excellence In the Call Award Committee, chaired by Mel Severns, university registrar.
Cutline: From left, Dr. Amy Kovach, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, presents Excellence In the Call awards to Dr. Jon Bossley, Associate Professor of Biology, and Joy Strickland, Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention.
