2004 DEA Awards

The College of Education presents awards annually to alumni who have achieved outstanding success in their fields. Congratulations to the following winners of the 2004 Distinguished Education Alumni Awards.

Award of Distinction -
Janine M. Bernard

For outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service in the field of counselor education

Dr. Bernard received her doctorate in counseling education and supervision at Purdue University in 1975. She is a highly respected scholar both nationally and internationally in counselor education, social work, and psychology, providing leadership in professional organizations and serving on editorial boards. Her discrimination model is typically the first model taught in counseling supervision courses. Her near classic textbook, Fundamentals of Clinical Supervision, now in its third edition, is considered to be the definitive work in counseling supervision. Janine's nominator wrote, "In regard to supervision, Dr. Bernard is currently the most respected voice in the field of counselor education."

Career Achievement Award -
William E. Christopher

For pioneering contributions, continued commitment, and dedication to public education

Dr. Christopher received hi s m aster's degree in 1964 and his doctorate in 1972 in educational administration at Purdue University . He has been a science teacher, a principal, and by age 28, he was superintendent in the Tri-County School Corporation in Wolcott , Indiana . From 1986-1994, when educational policy was undergoing dramatic changes in Indiana, he held pioneering positions as the first senior officer for professional development in the Indiana Department of Education, the first commissioner of the Indiana Commission on Vocational Education and Technical Education, and the first commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development. Bill continues to demonstrate outstanding commitment and service to education.

Community Achievement Award -
M. Kay Clark

For commitment and dedication to providing children in her community with an exceptional education experience in a nurturing environment

Mrs. Clark earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Purdue University in 1969. Within three weeks of taking her first position as a kindergarten teacher at a small start-up childcare center in Georgia , she was appointed its director. Under Kay's educational leadership, business acumen, and eventually ownership, Wood Acres grew from 17 kindergarten students in two rooms to over 700 students in a nine building complex on a 10-acre campus for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students. For 33 years, she provided quality traditional education at nearly half the cost of other private schools in the Atlanta area, a service viewed by the community as one of it s m ost valuable resources.

Community Achievement Award -
Edwin C. Leonard

For outstanding dedication to higher education and to his community as a teacher, researcher, coach, and advisor

Dr. Leonard earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural economics and hi s m aster's and doctoral degrees in educational administration from Purdue University in 1962, 1966, and 1971, respectively. For the past 37 years, Ed has enriched the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) campus and community as an inspiring teacher, researcher, and advisor. Countless not-for-profits in the community have benefited from his pro-bono consulting. He has coached community and college golf and basketball teams, and started the basketball program at IPFW, now an NCAA Division I program.

Friend of Education Award -
Gregg O. Lehman

For outstanding leadership and innovative contributions in the fields of higher education and healthcare

Dr. Lehman received his master's and doctoral degrees in educational administration from Purdue University in 1971 and 1973. He is an entrepreneur whose contributions in education and health care have improved institutions and their processes and benefited students and employees. At age 34, Gregg was named president of Taylor University where he created innovative academics programs, record enrollments, and operating surpluses. During the past 18 years, he has served as president and CEO of four different healthcare organizations. Gregg is a national leader in the areas of health care cost, quality, and patient safety. His dedication to promoting health and disease management has resulted in better health for employees and reduced medical claims for corporate America.

Friend of Education Award -
Lawrence G. Shoaf

For outstanding leadership and significant reforms in public education management and the insurance industry

Dr. Shoaf received hi s m aster's and doctoral degrees in educational administration from Purdue University in 1972 and 1974. As a national leader in public education management, he advocated financial reforms, innovative reporting, and cost effectivenes s m easures in K-12 education. For 12 years, he implemented those reforms as chief financial officer at major school corporations in Illinois and California . During the past 20 years, Larry has become a leader in the insurance industry. Serving as senior vice president of the international insurance firms of Alexander & Alexander, Inc. and Marsh Risk and Insurance Services, he excelled in e-commerce, alternative markets, and new products. His leadership continues to benefit his community where he serves on numerous boards.

Mentor Award -
Kenneth L. Gleason

For indomitable spirit, energy, and dedication in helping students and fellow teachers strive for excellence

Mr. Gleason received a bachelor's degree in social studies education and a specialist degree in instructional development from Purdue University in 1970 and 1991. For 33 years, Ken has been a teacher, coach, and mentor to students and fellow teachers. At Franklin Central Middle School in Indiana , he taught social studies and coached basketball, track, baseball and swimming. For over 20 years, he inspired his students to pursue college and become informed, participating citizens. After moving to Florida , he was appointed chair of social studies department at the newly created Poinciana High School . Ken, a National Board Certified teacher, announces home football games and advises the student council. His energy and spirit continue to help teachers, clubs, sports teams, and students create their school traditions and strive for excellence.

Young Educator Award -
Jodi L. Allen

For exemplary classroom teaching and outstanding leadership in professional development

Ms. Allen received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Purdue University in 2000. In only four years teaching at Glen Acres Elementary School in Lafayette , Jodi has become an exemplary classroom teacher, gaining the esteem of her fellow teachers and receiving numerous grants. Jodi was chosen to participant in the Indiana Higher Education Standards-based Integrated Science Instruction (SISI) program at Purdue. Now she serves as the youngest master teacher each summer for that program. Her former principal said, "I saw students who had disliked school in years past come to life in Ms. Allen's room. She has a special way of tuning into the interests of each student. She works with students before and after school. She attends their ball games. Former students from the middle school even come to her for help after school!"