5/7/99
Contact: Fred Weiner, (740) 593-1616
Editors: A photo of Richard Greenlee is available at: http://www.ohio.edu/news/pix/GREENLEE.JPG
ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University President Robert Glidden and Vice President of Student Affairs Mike Sostarich presented Richard Greenlee, associate professor of social work and community service advocate, the 1999 division of Student Affairs Faculty Contribution Award at a ceremony Friday in the 1804 Room of Baker Center.
Greenlee's commitment to cultural education, program excellence, teaching and community service earned him the award, said Fred Weiner, award committee chair.
Greenlee's community service is done primarily through the Center for Community Service where he has offered his time and expertise as a trainer and evaluator for the AppalCorps and AmeriCorps programs. Both programs provide tutoring to elementary children and counseling about access to higher education for middle and high school students in Southeastern Ohio. Greenlee also offers his knowledge of Appalachian history and culture through storytelling and singing at events such as the Appalachian Cultural Awareness Week, an annual event sponsored by AppalAction.
Selected by students as a 1994-1995 University Professor, Greenlee began teaching a course of his own design, "Service, Social Action and Social Welfare," the following year, incorporating community service through in-class and out-of-class experiences that address the needs of the surrounding community.
Greenlee has served as faculty associate of Residence Life for seven years in three South Green residence halls. As a faculty associate, he ate lunch with resident assistants, discussed residence life and promoted educational and service-oriented programs. Greenlee also served as a member of the university taskforce to combat binge drinking.
The Faculty Contributor Award is given to faculty members for their contributions to student development and growth that are made outside of their traditional classroom role. Nominees are made by different units within the Division of Student Affairs on the Athens and regional campuses.
"I think it's important to have a faculty that is involved with students," Greenlee said. " That's what makes Ohio University different from a lot of other colleges. I feel that it is very important to get involved both in and out of class. I enjoy it immensely and do it to stay current with students and so I don't lose touch. I started teaching because I love students. Really, the students are what keep me alive."
