May 16, 2024

Becky Johnson-Himes honored as 2024 Distinguished Teacher, Ferris State University staff, faculty awarded for excellence

Becky Johnson-Himes, an associate professor of Nursing and Ferris State University’s RN to BSN program coordinator, was highlighted with the 2024 Distinguished Teacher Award. 

“It was a surprise to be nominated for this award,” said Johnson-Himes, who earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice while serving as a School of Nursing faculty member. “I was given to pause because the committee had plenty of questions, but it turned out to be a fascinating and cool process, and I was very honored to be selected.” 

Johnson-Himes spent this last year teaching Nursing students in Pre-Licensure and the RN to BSN program. She also helped champion the School of Nursing’s successful Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education reaccreditation.  

Johnson-Himes also collaborated with a regional consortium focused on supporting the healthcare industry’s need for qualified professionals. 

“Trying to meet the demand for nurses has been a struggle since the COVID-19 pandemic. The years that followed have really impacted the number of caregivers ready and willing to serve,” Johnson-Himes said. “In the last year, Ferris has signed an agreement with West Shore Community College that is going well and should help bring talented and capable people into those roles.” 

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Bobby Fleischman congratulated Johnson-Himes and all award recipients. 

“This year’s award winners continue to shine a bright light on the work our faculty engages with students and numerous stakeholders on campus, across the state, nationally, and internationally,” Fleischman said. “Our Distinguished Teacher award recipient, Dr. Johnson-Himes, exemplifies this work through her dedication to the students of our outstanding Nursing program and the graduates who continue to distinguish Ferris in the Michigan workforce.” 

Director of Accessibility and Disability Services Julie Alexander received the Helen Gillespie Ferris Distinguished Woman Leader Award from the Ferris Women’s Network. Additionally, Alexander earned the Distinguished Service Award for her work on campus. 

Other award recipients include:  

• International Educator Award: Professor Anne Norcross, Art History.              
• Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award: Professor David Takitaki, Political Science program coordinator. 
• Outstanding Academic Advisor – John Cowles, academic advisor, College of Health Professions’ Deans office. 
• Academic Scholar: Eric Nybo, associate professor of Pharmaceutical Science. 
• Diversity Enhancement Award: Susan DeVuyst-Miller, associate professor, Pharmacy Practice. 
• Disability Advocate Award: Steven Schuiling, associate professor, Project Management. 
• Excellence in Assessment Award: Sarah Rescoe, adjunct instructor 1, English, Literature, and World Languages.  

The 2024 Distinguished Team Award went to the First Gen Workgroup, chaired by David McCall, a Retention and Student Services associate professor. Team members also include Allison Bernknopf, Trishia Blackwell, Angela Buys, Nina Davis, Sharon George, Joanie Hazelton, Nancy Hogan, Emmanuel Ogua, Nicholas Palmer, Elizabeth Post, Cindy Smith, Jennifer Stevens, and Mark Young. 

Employees honored with the Distinguished Staff Award were Angela Buys, instructional designer with Extended and International Operations; Eric Haner, registrar and assistant dean of Enrollment Services; Sherry Standen, Office of Admissions; Math Department secretary Amy Truong; and Director of Admissions Services Mandy Zweifel-Hughes.