Pacific Bestows Annual Employee Awards
Pacific University is proud to recognize some of its most dedicated employees with its annual faculty, staff and service awards. Nominated and selected by their peers, these employees embody the mission of Pacific University and its commitment to being a "diverse and sustainable community dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice,” where students are inspired to “think, care, create, and pursue justice.”
While the annual awards ceremony was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is no more important time to recognize the commitment of faculty and staff to serving the students of Pacific.
PAM ARNOLD
Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost and Executive Dean College of Health Professions
Dedication to Students Award
Pam Arnold fostered a relationship between Pacific University and TriMet in an effort to provide a low-cost transportation option for students. She invested her time in becoming an authorized representative for TriMet, and, as a result, students may now ride TriMet at half price, or even less. She also supports the Hillsboro Food Share. Colleagues praise her for commitment to the community and students. Arnold received the Dedication to Students Award, recognizing staff members who excel in service to Pacific’s students, and foster a close-knit environment for our students through expressions of caring and compassion.
MIKE CHARLES
Emeritus Professor of Education, College of Education
Dedication to Students Award (Awarded Posthumously)
Mike Charles worked at Pacific for nearly 20 years. During that time, he developed a reputation for his commitment to the betterment of all students. Charles served as the undergraduate coordinator for the School of Learning & Teaching, and he helped foster opportunities for study abroad as the co-leader of the GeoSpatial Semester. Charles died earlier this year, and has been awarded the Dedication to Students Award posthumously. He will be remembered for the connections he made with his students, and his unequivocal support for them in the classroom and beyond.
ALICE HOCHNADEL-JOHNSON
Administrative Coordinator of Clinical Education & Manager of Clinical Practice of the School of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions
Splendid Audacity Award
Alice Hochnadel-Johnson is always looking to be “ahead of the curve” in order to best serve students, her colleagues say. She actively seeks out the perspectives of others in order to push everyone she works with in a more positive direction. This past year, Alice made meaningful contributions to the clinical education team, including helping transition a new full-time clinician. Hochnadel-Johnson received the Splendid Audacity Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of our community through the sharing of ideas and innovation.
LEAH BALDWIN
Associate Director of Graduate & Professional Admissions
Boxer Spirit Award
Leah Baldwin is a talented ambassador for Pacific University. Applicants consistently remark on their evaluations that she is the reason they came to Interview Day. Her organization, timeliness, and warm personality help Pacific establish strong connections with prospective students. Over her 11 years at Pacific, she has also become a mentor to many other staff members. Baldwin received the Boxer Spirit Award, which is bestowed upon staff who embody a feeling of teamwork, collegiality, and cooperation across departmental lines.
MIKE SHINGLE
Interim Director of Academic & Career Advising, Career Development Center
Outstanding Leadership Award
This past winter, Mike Shingle stepped in on short notice to lead the Academic & Career Advising team. He helped foster an environment in this role that his colleagues describe as “positive, productive, and forward-thinking.” He has quickly earned the respect and trust needed to be an effective leader and mentor. He can frequently be heard saying, “Let’s do what is right for the students.” Shingle received the Outstanding Leadership Award, which recognizes staff members who promote a participative and collegial environment and encourage employee input.
ANNE WILLIS
Assistant Professor of Graduate Psychology, College of Health Professions
Provost’s Junior Faculty Award for Teaching
One of Anne Willis’ most significant teaching accomplishments is her development of the Community-Based Research Methods sequence, an innovation in pedagogy with an emphasis on community-based participatory research. Her students praise her for promoting critical thinking, facilitating meaningful discussions, and emphasizing the value of community and inclusivity in her work. She received the Provost’s Junior Faculty Development Award for Teaching, one of three junior faculty development awards that recognize non-tenured faculty members.
ELIZABETH TAVARES
Assistant Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences
Provost’s Junior Faculty Award for Scholarship
Since arriving at Pacific in 2016, Elizabeth Tavares has published a book chapter, articles and reviews focusing on the repertory system of theater in 16th-century England. In February 2020, she received the Graves Award in the Humanities, a highly competitive national award that is only given every other year. She has involved students in her work at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and at national conferences. She received the Provost’s Junior Faculty Development Award for Scholarship, one of three junior faculty development awards that recognize non-tenured faculty members.
WILLIAM HEFNER
Professor of Optometry, College of Optometry
Provost’s Junior Faculty Award for Service
In addition to his teaching duties, William Hefner serves as commander of the 190th Medical Group in Kansas and as the clinic director of EyeClinic Cornelius. His colleagues praise him for his modesty, work ethic, and commitment to the students he serves. Within the Forest Grove community, he is a volunteer youth baseball and soccer coach, has volunteered for the summer lunch program serving at-risk youth, and serves as a mentor at a local elementary school’s after school program. He received the Provost’s Junior Faculty Development Award for Service, one of three junior faculty development awards that recognize non-tenured faculty members.
MARCUS WELSH
Assistant Professor of World Languages & Literature, College of Arts & Sciences
President’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Marcus Welsh has been part of Pacific University for more than 25 years, as a student, instructor, and faculty member. An innovative and inspiring teacher, he is also recognized outside of Pacific for authoring a text on beginning Spanish, which colleagues hail as a significant contribution to his field. He leaves an indelible impact on his students, who have described him as enthusiastic, challenging, and supportive. He received the President’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, recognizing the primacy of teaching and the ability to make the classroom come alive for undergraduate college students.
PATRICK CAROLINE
Associate Professor of Optometry, College of Optometry
President’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching
Patrick Caroline has established a reputation internationally as a leading expert on contact lenses. He is known for his work ethic and his enthusiasm for his field, having mentored countless students, residents, and optometrists. Over the course of his career, he has earned awards from the American Academy of Optometry and the European Federation of the Contact Lens. Outside of his work at Pacific, Patrick also recently co-founded Forest Grove’s Contact Lens Museum. He received the President’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching, recognizing the primacy of teaching and the ability to make the classroom come alive for graduate and professional program students.
DENISE GOODWIN
Professor, College of Optometry
Distinguished University Professor Award
Denise Goodwin is lauded by her colleagues for her track record of thoughtful deliberation, fairness, and integrity in all duties at Pacific and all facets of her career. For more than 20 years, Goodwin has set a high standard for excellence, both at Pacific and in the broader field of optometry around the world. She is noted for her commitment to learning, having spent a sabbatical studying in neuro-opthalmic. She is now considered one of only a handful of experts in the world in that field. Goodwin has been named Distinguished University Professor, which recognizes outstanding performance by a Pacific faculty member over an entire career. This privilege is not awarded annually, nor is it conferred as a matter of course upon retirement. Recipients must exhibit an exceptional and sustained record of performance on campus and well as beyond it.
Pacific also proudly recognizes its annual retirees, as well as its longevity award recipients.