Annual Awards - College of Social and Behavioral Science

Superior Research

Phil Dennison
Geography professor Phil Dennison was the senior recipient of this year's CSBS Superior Research Award. Dennison's research focuses on the broader spectrum of human-environment interactions, how our Earth is changing, and how human activities are influencing these changes. He has collaborated with over 100 co-authors on scores of publications and research projects, bringing in over $1.7 million in research funding since 2004.

Brett Clark
The junior CSBS Superior Research Award recipient was sociology professor Brett Clark. Clark's research involves environmental sociology, social theory, political economy, and the sociology of science. His research often presents the global implications yielding from ecological problems in a given locale, and brings focus to the interdependency of the planet's ecosystems. Clark's research has been featured in more than 30 peer-reviewed journals, other scholarly articles and six books.

Superior Teaching

Jack Broughton
This year's CSBS Superior Teaching Award was awarded to Jack Broughton from the department of anthropology. "Professor Broughton is not only an expert in the field of anthropology, but he is also an enthusiastic, kind, and accessible instructor. His classes have been the highlight of my undergraduate experience, and it has a lot to do with his fervor for teaching. His exceptional ability to instill confidence in his students makes him a superior teacher," explained one nomination letter.

Ella Myers
Political science professor Ella Myers received the CSBS Assistant Professor Superior Teaching Award. As one nomination letter stated, "Professor Myers' pedagogical abilities have provided a clear model of how I would like to conduct my own classes. She also serves as an exemplar for the kind of character one should aspire to in order to be a successful educator. Her impact on my growth as a student has been indelible."

Staff Excellence

Dennis Laros
Dennis Laros from the department of psychology has been recognized as this year's recipient of the CSBS Staff Excellence Award. Laros is described as "going above and beyond to help faculty and staff with their questions and comes up with innovative solutions to streamline procedures. He is supremely organized and detail-oriented, and truly has the well-being of the department and the university at heart."

University Awards

Early Career Teaching Award
Shortly before her courageous battle with cancer came to an end, family and consumer studies professor Beverly Brehl was awarded the University Early Career Teaching Award. The award recognizes professors who demonstrate distinction in teaching and facilitate increased learning by students. Brehl, who battled an aggressive form of breast cancer, continued to teach until she received word that her cancer had spread. Brehl passed away on March 2 at the age of 36.

Read the Salt Lake Tribune's profile on Brehl.

Public Service Professor
The Lowell Bennion Community Service Center has selected sociology professor Akiko Kamimura as a Public Service Professor for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Equity and Diversity Award
Political science PhD candidate Samantha Eldridge received the Equity and Diversity Award in recognition for her continued work in enhancing diversity on campus.

2014 Irwin Altman Award
Professor Jeanine Stefanucci has been selected as this year's recipient of the Irwin Altman Award--an award given to a psychology faculty member for their contribution to research, scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and service to the university and overall community.