2026 Faculty & Staff Award Recipients
Carol Clark Ford Staff Achievement Award
The Carol Clark Ford Staff Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a staff, clerical, or technical service employee of the college who “makes it easier for others to accomplish their objectives effectively and efficiently.” The award was endowed by Donald H. Ford, dean emeritus, of the former College of Human Development, in honor of his wife Carol Clark Ford.
Shari Grassi
Graduate Program Administrative Assistant
Department of Kinesiology
Joyce Hopson-King Diversity Achievement Award
For more than two decades, Assistant Dean Joyce Hopson-King advocated for students, staff, and faculty in the College of Health and Human Development. Her contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging were highly valued and accomplished, and during her time in the college, she taught us how a diverse community strengthens us all. The contributions she made to our college paved the way for success in the future. This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has made sustained and significant contributions to fostering diversity and inclusion at Penn State and/or in the College of Health and Human Development.
Harrison P. Pinckney, IV
Associate Professor
Director of the Griot Lab
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Leadership in Outreach Award
The Leadership in Outreach Award honors a faculty or staff member who has made significant leadership contributions to the outreach mission of the college.
Lisa Davis
Associate Research Professor
Director, Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health and Outreach
Department of Health Policy and Administration
Ann C. Crouter Early Career Faculty Award
The Ann C. Crouter Early Career Faculty Award recognizes outstanding faculty members in the College of Health and Human Development who exhibit academic excellence early in their careers. The award was endowed by the alumni and friends of the College of Health and Human Development in honor of Ann C. Crouter, dean emeritus, for her service and dedication to the college.
Stephen Kodish
Associate Professor
Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Biobehavioral Health
Evelyn R. Saubel Faculty Award
The Evelyn R. Saubel Faculty Award recognizes faculty members for service to students. Among its criteria are a commitment to human service; accessibility as an adviser; and a caring, professional style. The award was established in honor of Evelyn Saubel ’35 H EC, a longtime assistant to the dean in the former colleges of Home Economics and Human Development.
J. Kalina Hodges
Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Nutritional Sciences
College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Award
The College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Award honors a faculty member for excellence in teaching and contributions to the art of teaching. It is supported by an endowment from the HHD Alumni Society.
Jennifer Emigh
Associate Teaching Professor
Professor-In-Charge
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
College of Health and Human Development Faculty Sustainability Award
College of Health and Human Development Faculty Sustainability Award recognizes extraordinary achievement and service in advancing global sustainable development goals while carrying out the college’s efforts to maximize health, optimize quality of life, and enhance human potential for all people and populations.
Past Recipients
Asher Rosinger
Associate Professor
Departments of Biobehavioral Health and Anthropology
Evan G. and Helen G. Pattishall Outstanding Research Achievement Award
The Evan G. and Helen G. Pattishall Outstanding Research Achievement Award recognizes research contributions occurring or culminating within the past several years. The award was endowed by Evan Pattishall, dean emeritus, of the former College of Human Development, and his wife Helen Pattishall ’85 IFS.
Vishal Singh
Associate Professor of Nutritional Physiology and Microbiome
Department of Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Singh will give a research lecture spring 2027.
Pauline Schmitt Russell Distinguished Research Career Award
The Pauline Schmitt Russell Distinguished Research Career Award honors a senior faculty member who has made outstanding research contributions to the field across a major portion of his or her career. The award was endowed by Leo P. Russell ’41 ENG in honor of his late wife, Pauline Schmitt Russell ’48 H EC.
Danielle Symons Downs
Professor
Departments of Kinesiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow, National Academy of Kinesiology
Director, Exercise Psychology Laboratory
Associate Director, Penn State Social Science Research Institute
Dr. Downs will give a research lecture fall 2027.