Three College of Human Environmental Sciences faculty members were recognized for outstanding achievement and service to the college and to OSU during the annual Fall Convocation.

Human Development and Family Science Associate Professor Amanda Harrist received the Regents Distinguished Research Award and the Regents Distinguished Research Award from the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents.  Receiving both awards in one year is a rare achievement that has occurred only one other time.  Harrist teaches courses in human lifespan development, parenting and peer relations in childhood. She has presented results of her research on young children’s adaptive and maladaptive social behavior during early and middle childhood at national conferences of professional organizations such as the Society for Research in Child Development and the American Psychological Association.

CHES Dean Patricia Knaub received the OSU Loyal and True award, which was established to recognize individuals who personify the spirit of OSU through their unwavering devotion and personal sacrifice and commitment.  Knaub will retire at the end of the year after 19 years in the position.  The college has experienced a 98 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment, as well as a 50 percent increase in graduate students with her at the helm.   Private giving to the college has increased an average of 38 percent a year for a total of $13 million for professorships and chairs to enhance faculty positions, scholarships for students and facilty enhancements.  In addition, Knaub has overseen a dramatic increase in scholarly productivity with 74 percent of the current faculty receiving extramural funding.

Ted Drab, Design, Housing and Merchandising associate professor of interior design was recognized for outstanding undergraduate academic advisement.  Commended for providing exceptional advice to his advisees related to their academic and professional lives, he is also known for “his contagious positive energy.”