All signs point to spring around the College. Flowers are appearing. Trees are budding. And, oh yes, College faculty and staff are cornering the market on achievement and performance awards from the Urbana campus. It started with Arlette Willis, Professor, Curriculum and Instruction, being named a Distinguished Teacher-Scholar earlier this year and continued with a succession of new recipients in the last month.

Scott Johnson, Professor and Head, Department of Human Resource Education, was named as one of only six 2002-2003 University Scholars in February. Nominated and selected by their peers, the award recognizes excellence in research, teaching and service by a faculty member. Johnson has been in the College since 1987.

Dorothy Espelage, Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, received the Campus Award for Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, one of five chosen by the Office of the Provost. The award highlights faculty who exemplify the University of Illinois commitment to undergraduate education. Espelage joined the College in 1997.

Catherine Thurston, Director, Office of Educational Technology, was named as one of only six recipients of the Chancellor's Academic Professional Excellent (CAPE) Award. The CAPE Award recognizes outstanding achievement and service to the University by non-tenured staff. Thurston came to the College in 1991. 

Rosalie Schmitt, Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Instruction Programs Office, received the Campus Award for Excellence in Advising Undergraduate Students. Awarded to one faculty member and one academic professional each year, the award recognizes outstanding efforts in guiding undergraduates through the academic challenges at the University. Schmitt came to the College in 1988.

"Of the twenty people recognized by these awards, out of the thousands of eligible faculty and staff on this campus, five of them come from the College," says Dean Susan Fowler. "That's just impressive."

"It speaks so highly of all five, of their commitment to our students and their service to the entire University community. It's wonderful that the rest of campus gets the chance to hear about their achievements."