Agriculture News

The Ogden College of Science and Engineering (OCSE) is pleased to announce the recognition of five faculty in the annual OCSE Faculty Awards.  This year we recognize superb faculty in the categories of Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Research and Creative Activity, Excellence in Service, Excellence in Advising, and Excellence in Part-Time Teaching.

Dr. Ferhan Atici from the Department of Mathematics is the recipient of the 2024-2025 OCSE Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Atici came to WKU in 2001 and has taught twenty-three different courses spanning from the 100-level to the 500-level. She strives to encourage excitement through the process of discovery, develop team-building skills, and implement technologies and newer approaches. Dr. Atici has consistently been a strong teacher and role model of mathematics. Her students describe her as patient, kind, and motivating.

Dr. Kirolos Haleem from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is the recipient of the 2024-2025 OCSE Faculty Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Activity. Dr. Haleem came to WKU in August of 2018, joining our Civil Engineering programs. He established the Center for Transportation Research, a multidisciplinary research facility that aims to improve the safety of roadway users through transportation engineering research and statistical crash modeling, helping students engage in meaningful research. Students have described Dr. Haleem as passionate, effective, and engaging.

Ms. Carnetta Skipworth from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is the recipient of the 2024-2025 OCSE Faculty Award for Excellence in Service. Ms. Skipworth, a two-time graduate of WKU, came to the university as an Assistant Professor in 2010. She was promoted to Associate Professor in 2014 and teaches 12 hours per semester in both face-to-face, online, and dual credit classrooms. She also advises approximately 20 students each semester, specifically those interested in pre-pharmacy and pre-medicine. Additionally, she serves as the liaison for the Dual Credit Program within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students and colleagues commend Ms. Skipworth’s passion for mentorship, community engagement, distinguished service, and a dedicated and effective educator.

Mr. Jason Wilson from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is the recipient of the 2024-2025 OCSE Faculty Award for Excellence in Advising. Mr. Wilson, a WKU graduate, started with WKU in 2014 as a Staff Technician in the Civil Engineering programs. He then went on to become an Instructor, and now serves as Instructor II in the Civil Engineering programs. Mr. Wilson understands his students’ journey and the obstacles they face and strives to empower students to find clarity and direction in their advising sessions. Colleagues have described Mr. Wilson as going above and beyond expectations and passionate about student success.

Mr. Johnathan Drake from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is the recipient of the 2024-2025 OCSE Faculty Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching. Mr. Drake, a two-time graduate of WKU, joined our faculty in 2021, teaching general inorganic, organic, and biological chemistry to between 60-100 students. Mr. Drake is commended by colleagues for his accessibility to students, the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and effectively, and his commitment to student success.

About the Ogden College of Science and Engineering:

The Ogden College of Science & Engineering (OCSE) encompasses the basic and applied sciences at WKU, offering a broad range of degree programs through our eight Academic Units (Agriculture & Food Science; Biology; Chemistry; Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics; Physics & Astronomy; Psychological Sciences; and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences).  The mission of OCSE is to empower individuals to become leaders through academic achievement, global connections, and engagement in research, education, and service.