Penn State Hazleton faculty and staff honored with awards

HAZLETON, Pa. — Several Penn State Hazleton faculty and staff earned awards for their outstanding service to students and the campus during the 2023-24 academic year.  

Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Elizabeth J. Wright announced the recipients and presented them with their plaques at a recent ceremony attended by faculty and staff. Recipients included:  

• Nicole Young, associate teaching professor of mathematics, was given the Charles T. Butler Technology and Teaching Award, which recognizes faculty who demonstrate outstanding innovation in technology use in the classroom. The selection committee considers the creativity and originality of the project and whether it has had a positive impact on students. 

• Lorie Kramer, associate teaching professor of rehabilitation and human services, received the George T. Bobby Award, which acknowledges excellence in academic advising. The award is named for late Professor George T. Bobby, who taught exercise and sports science at Penn State Hazleton from 1967 until his death in 1989. It is presented annually to a faculty member who upholds Bobby’s dedication to academic advising.  

• Megan Schall, assistant professor of biology, received the Penn State Hazleton Council Teaching Excellence Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching. The award was established by the Penn State Hazleton Council in 1994. Candidates are nominated by students, staff, faculty and friends of the campus. 

• Joseph Ranalli, associate professor of engineering, earned the Faculty Scholar Award. The award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding achievement in research, scholarship or creative accomplishment. 

• Christine Ostrosky, administrative support assistant, was named the Student Government Association Staff Member of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding commitment to the student experience on campus. Recipients are nominated and selected by students. 

• Lori Reno, assistant teaching professor of business, received the Student Government Association Faculty Member of the Year, which recognizes outstanding teaching. Recipients are nominated and selected by students. 

• Michele Foust, administrative coordinator to the chancellor and chief academic officer, and Gina Regula, education program assistant, each received the Outstanding Staff Award. The award honors a staff member who goes above and beyond their duties with a high degree of excellence, professionalism and integrity, which contributes to the overall college environment and experience.