Kappa Alpha Theta Honors Westminster Faculty Member

Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, the first Greek-letter fraternity for women, announces its Ten Outstanding Faculty Members for 2013. This marks the second year the Fraternity recognizes faculty for contributions to colleges and universities where Theta chapters are present via an official nomination and selection process.

The faculty members were selected from more than 110 nominations by Theta college chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters were asked to select one nominee and base their selection on the professor’s passion for inspiring students as well as actions that connect to Theta aspirations: intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, commitment to service, and personal excellence. Candidates were not limited by gender, Greek (or non-Greek) affiliation, disciplinary expertise, or number of Thetas taught.

This year’s honorees—each of whom received a $500 award from Kappa Alpha Theta—include:

Gary Allison, education at University of Delaware, nominated by Zeta Tau Chapter;

Cinnamon Brown, history at Westminster College, nominated by Epsilon Iota Chapter;

Debra Fischer, astronomy at Yale University, nominated by Epsilon Tau Chapter;

Donna Howard, behavioral and community health at University of Maryland, nominated by Gamma Mu Chapter;

Janet Hyde, psychology and women’s studies at University of Wisconsin, nominated by Psi Chapter;

William (Bill) McClure, biology at University of Southern California, nominated by Omicron Chapter;

Michael Rhone, nutritional sciences at Oklahoma State University, nominated by Beta Zeta Chapter;

Michael Souza, psychology at University of British Columbia, nominated by Beta Upsilon Chapter;

Emma Teng, Asian civilizations and Chinese studies at MIT, nominated by Zeta Mu Chapter;

Beth Wee, science and engineering at Tulane University, nominated by Alpha Phi Chapter.

“Kappa Alpha Theta develops intellectually ambitious women who will grow to become leaders in their professions and communities,” said Fraternity President Amy Kates. “We encourage our members in their academic pursuits, and we developed the Top Ten Faculty program to recognize the faculty members who support, challenge, and mentor these women on a daily basis.”

The Fraternity congratulates these outstanding faculty members for their accomplishments and thanks all of the nominees for their contributions to the scholastic advancement of our members.