The 2017 Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards were announced Tuesday night at the annual Employee Banquet. Jamie Diggins, nursing instructor, was given the Outstanding Faculty Award. Outstanding Certified Staff Award went to Eric Covey, public relations coordinator in the Office of Marketing & Communications, and Bo Hudson, director of Residential Life and chief conduct officer, was recognized with the Outstanding Professional Staff Award.

Jamie Diggins, Outstanding Faculty Award winner

Tell me a little about what you teach at OSUIT?

I am a nursing instructor. I teach first semester nursing students. The courses I teach include foundations of nursing and medical terminology.

How long have you been at OSUIT?

I have been at OSUIT for almost three years. I will be celebrating my three-year anniversary in July.

What was your reaction when you learned you had been nominated?

I felt fulfilled knowing that one of my students nominated me. I was also very honored and humbled. As educators, we strive to help our students meet their goals and hope to make a difference. I am in education because I truly care for my students, and I want to be there for them to help them achieve their goals.

How are you feeling about being named the Outstanding Faculty member?

I was overwhelmed with many emotions. I was completely shocked. I have so much respect and admiration for those who were nominated. They are all deserving of this award. I was extremely honored and very humbled to have been selected for this award. I am also thankful for the nursing faculty that I work with daily. They are outstanding instructors. They inspire and motivate me to not only do the best I can, but to be the best I can be. I am so thankful for all of them.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Teaching is so much more than a job— it’s a passion. I do what I do every day, not for the recognition, but because I want to try to make a positive impact in the lives of others through educating and mentoring nursing students to become professionals that will provide safe, compassionate and patient-centered care. I respect and value what this reward represents and will work diligently to try to live up to the standards of representing the Outstanding Faculty Award.  

Eric Covey, Outstanding Certified Staff Award winner

Tell me a little about your role at OSUIT?

I am the public relations coordinator for OSUIT. I work within the Office of Marketing & Communications and work closely with the team there to increase awareness of the university’s mission and education programs in order to improve the university’s image.

How long have you been at OSUIT?

I have been with OSUIT for three and a half years.

What was your reaction when you learned you had been nominated?

When I became aware that I had been nominated, I felt humbled and grateful to be recognized by my colleagues as an equal and fellow leader.

How are you feeling about being named an Outstanding Staff member?

I believe any award of achievement carries a burden of following through. It is my desire to continue doing good work, developing relationships on and off campus and continuing to fine-tune my career and professional development.

What does this recognition mean to you?

This recognition gives me the affirmation that I chose wisely in pursuing my dream to be a communicator. Merits of achievement are certainly not expected in my profession. Typically, it is I who is sharing the good news about everyone else, so this was certainly a pleasant surprise.

Bo Hudson, Outstanding Professional Staff Award winner

Tell me a little about your role on campus or what you teach?

I serve as the director of Residential Life and chief conduct officer. I view the ultimate goal for both of these positions to be helping students learn more about the world outside the classroom, and what they need to know to help them be more successful overall in their future. As the director of Residential Life and chief conduct officer, both positions also attempt to do what is best for the welfare of the campus community in a variety of ways.

How long have you been at OSUIT?

I have been with OSUIT for 10 years.

What was your reaction when you learned you had been nominated?

I was quite surprised actually.

How are you feeling about being named the Outstanding Faculty or Staff?

I feel very grateful and still a little surprised for having been given the honor. I know that without the help of everyone I work with in my department, all over campus, and others not on campus I would not have had the opportunity to receive this honor.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I know this might sound simplistic. To me, it means the work I put in to do the best I can with assisting with students and other employees here at OSUIT is truly appreciated among those I work with. So for me to be recognized and honored with this reward by all those that I work hard with every day is truly a highlight for me serving others here at OSUIT.