5/18/26

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - The annual Spring Convocation at Fort Hays State University was held May 8. President Tisa Mason and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, recognized the winners of the Spring Semester 2026 faculty and staff awards.

Navigator Award:

The Navigator Award was presented to Katie Lunsford from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The award was established in 1998 by the Student Government Association to recognize an outstanding academic advisor who adheres closely to the university's goals for academic advising. 

Lunsford exemplifies the spirit of the Navigator Advising Award through her comprehensive guidance that extends beyond immediate needs to long-term academic and career planning.

“Katie is highly regarded for her reliability and responsiveness, consistently going above and beyond to support students and address their concerns,” Arensdorf said.

Outstanding Graduate Advisor:

The Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award recognizes a faculty member who is an advisor of graduate students and provides leadership and service in other activities on campus. The award was presented to Dr. Juti Winchester, Associate Professor in the Department of History and Philosophy.

Winchester was selected for the award because of her consistent commitment to student success and academic growth. Through her encouragement and adaptability, Winchester creates an environment where students are empowered to pursue meaningful and forward-thinking work.

Cross-Border Educational Excellence Award:

The Cross-Border Education Excellence Award was given to Eric McFarlane, Instructor in the Department of English and Modern Languages. The award was established to recognize an individual who exemplifies excellence in contributing to FHSU students’ academic experiences at a cross-border partner institution.

McFarlane, who teaches at Shenyang Normal University in China, has significantly impacted his program. His engagement with students strengthens FHSU’s mission to prepare them for global citizenry.

Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award:

The Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award was presented to Sarah Patterson, Graduate Program Coordinator, Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

The Edmund Shearer Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic advising. Shearer, a former Chair of the Department of Chemistry, was known for the high value he placed on student advisement. One advisor can be recognized from each of the five academic colleges. 

Patterson embodies many of Edmund Shearer's characteristics – compassion, knowledge, patience, and diligence.

“Using her knowledge of the college’s programs, Sarah continually guides students to achieve academically and professionally,” Arensdorf said.

With Patterson, the fellow nominees for this award included Debra Staab, Academic Advisor from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Kristin Hernandez, Academic Advisor from the College of Education, and Ashley Wetzel, Academic Advisor in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.

The Spring Outstanding Faculty Award winners

Dr. Jayme Goetz, Instructor in the Department of Mathematics, received the Outstanding Teaching Award.

Dr. Brooke Mann, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, received the Outstanding Scholarly Activity Award.

Hollie Marquess, Lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy, was selected for the Service Award.

All recipients received a $500 award for their accomplishments, thanks to the generosity and support of Commerce Bank. In addition to the monetary gift, the college deans are providing an additional $250 to the recipient's department's budget.

Goetz was recognized for her passion for her work and for being instrumental in revising the curriculum to incorporate open educational resources (OERs).

“Jayme brings energy and enthusiasm to general education courses such as College Algebra and Elements of Statistics, helping students – especially those who find math challenging – remain engaged,” Arensdorf said.

Mann was recognized for building a highly productive research program in clinical psychology while demonstrating an exceptional commitment to student mentorship.

“Since joining FHSU in 2016, Brooke has published five peer-reviewed articles, delivered 82 conference presentations, and actively involved students in her research, mentoring more than 20 undergraduates and supervising more than 30 graduate projects,” Arensdorf said.

Marquess was recognized with the Outstanding Service Award for her exceptional commitment to service through mentorship, advising 45 history majors while supporting many others, and leading student organizations such as Phi Alpha Theta and the History Club.

“Hollie contributes across the university through committee work, departmental leadership, and program outreach, including social media and the Global Studies certificate,” Arensdorf said.

The honorees will join three other faculty members recognized for teaching, research, and scholarly activity in the Fall 2026 semester, as candidates for the Faculty Member-of-the-Year Award. The recipient of the upcoming award, along with a $1,000 prize, will be announced at the Fall Convocation in August.

These six faculty members (spring and fall) are eligible for the award and selected by the Academic Council.

For additional news and information about Fort Hays State University, go to https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/