Lisa Newman: Student Choice, Faculty Woman of Year

Lisa Newman only realized she was a winner when she recognized biographical information about herself being read to a crowd at the Faculty Club.

The veteran field service Communication professor was named the UC Women's Center (UCWC) first Student Choice Faculty Woman of the Year at the March 9 luncheon.

Brandi Hutchins, program coordinator for student life at the African-American Culture and Research Center, was named Staff Member of the Year.

All of this year's 21 nominees, representing colleges, departments and programs university-wide, "go above and beyond the call of duty to help students," said Tamika Odum, Women's Center's program manager for outreach and education.

Field service Communication professor Lisa Newman was named the UC Women's Center's Student Choice Faculty Woman of the Year.

"Each nominee in some way has made a lasting impression on the UC student body … the UCWC Student Choice Award is a way for students to honor outstanding professors and staff here at the University of Cincinnati," Odum said. "Recipients are individuals who place students at the center and work to build a learning environment that offers everyone an equal opportunity to grow and flourish as students and future leaders. Students nominate and UCWC’s advisory board of diverse women and men students selects the winners."

For Newman, the honor was just that – a true honor.

"It is very rewarding to be recognized by so many students in a truly warm and wonderful tribute ceremony, complete with original poetry," she said. "Tamika and the Women's Center committee were so thoughtful in selecting my past accomplishments and life mission statements on which to focus. I have spent my career helping students to improve their communication skills, and in return have learned so much from them."

Nominated by student Rachael Epps, Newman said the honor comes as a "surprise gift in my 20th year at UC."

"Rachael wrote a beautiful Woman of the Year nomination letter without letting me know that she was writing it, and then called to make sure that I could go to the luncheon," she said. "It was an honor to even be nominated by a very busy and bright student who had not been in my classroom for several quarters, and then have her share that my selection made her a winner too!"

Criteria for the award included faculty or staff status; the demonstration of the importance of leadership, scholarship, service and commitment to diversity; and the promotion of student leadership.

The fact that it's the only totally student-driven award on campus given to faculty and staff women is important, Odum said.

"In addition to the application, students did additional research on each nominee to support what the nominator wrote in his or her essay," Odum said. "It is our goal to establish a tradition similar to the annual C-Ring award, which honors one graduating senior woman. The Student Choice Award gives students the opportunity to honor those who helped them along the way."

And that the ceremony was offered during Women's History Month didn't escape Newman.

"The inspiring keynote speech and great variety of achievements made by all of the nominees made me very proud to be a woman faculty member at UC, where the glass ceiling has been weakened, if not shattered," she said. "Wonderful women have mentored me here and inspired my student-centered service."

Other nominees were equally touched.

Terri Premo, academic director for Interdisciplinary Studies, said she "finally learned what it means when the Hollywood star says, 'I don't care about winning. I'm just thrilled to be nominated.' "

"In truth, this is just how I felt to be selected for this honor," she said. "It is especially meaningful because it was generated by students. The luncheon tributes attest to the fact that there are lots of terrific women here at UC who care tremendously for the students they serve."

Patti Jeffries, administrative secretary, Women's Studies, concurs.

"I enjoy working with the students every day and for them to express their appreciation this way was very special to me," she said.