Every year, the Parkway Distinguished Professor Award, HLGU鈥檚 highest faculty award, is given by Parkway Baptist Church in St. Louis. This is the 34^th聽year of the award. It is presented to an exceptional member of the HLGU faculty. Selection is based on outstanding professional and personal contributions to Christian education.

This year鈥檚 Parkway Distinguished Professor Award recipient is Dr. Melanie Smith. Dr. Smith is an Associate Professor of Education and serves as Chair of the Education Division. She began teaching at HLGU in the fall of 2014.

In their nominations, her colleagues said Dr. Melanie Smith has an unwavering passion and dedication to her students. She exemplifies what it means to be a caring and invested educator, consistently going above and beyond to support and inspire her students. Dr. Smith鈥檚 passion for teaching is evident in every aspect of her work, and she consistently seeks opportunities to enhance her teaching skills and adapt her methods to meet the needs of her students. Her enthusiasm for her subject matter is infectious, sparking curiosity and igniting a love for learning in our education students.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Smith truly takes the time to connect with her students on a personal level. She is approachable, empathetic, and always willing to lend a listening ear or offer guidance. Whether it鈥檚 providing mentorship, writing recommendation letters, or simply offering words of encouragement, Dr. Smith goes out of her way to ensure her students feel supported and valued.

Moreover, Dr. Smith consistently seeks opportunities to enhance her teaching skills and adapt her methods to meet the needs of her students. She embraces innovative teaching techniques and fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels seen and heard.

Dr. Smith earned a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Language, Diversity, and Literacy Studies from Texas Tech University in 2022. She also holds a Specialist of Education degree from William Woods University, and Master鈥檚 and Bachelor of Science degrees in Education from the University of Missouri鈥擟olumbia.

Dr. Smith is more than just a faculty member鈥攕he is a mentor, friend, role model, and true advocate for her students鈥� success. Her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to student learning makes her an exceptional educator and deserving of this year鈥檚 2024 Parkway Distinguished Professor Award.

Each year, the staff member of the year award is sponsored by Immanuel Baptist Church in Hannibal. Full-time staff members are nominated by their colleagues and confirmed by the Executive Cabinet. Criteria for nomination include exemplary performance in contractual duties, contributions to the University in time, effort, and creativity, and understanding and embodiment of 鈥淜nowledge for Service.鈥�

This year鈥檚 staff member of the year is Amanda Kohl. Amanda is a 2023 graduate of HLGU. Mrs. Kohl serves the university as the Guest Experience Coordinator for the Admissions office where she started working in 2023.

Although she has only been in the position of Visit Coordinator in the Admissions Office for a year, it is hard to overstate Amanda’s impact on the HLGU community. She started her position after graduating from HLGU last Spring. Amanda does so much more than fulfill her position. She is a true jack-of-all-trades, having contributed to every department in some capacity. She answers phones, directs visitors around campus, gives tours, coordinates visits, and organizes countless events, all with an infectious joy and a warm smile that has left a lasting impression on everyone with whom she interacts.

Amanda’s “How can I help?” attitude and welcoming demeanor are outstanding. She goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone she encounters feels valued and supported. Amanda sets a truly remarkable example of servant leadership. Her enthusiasm for serving others is inspiring and humbling, and she has made a difference in the lives of many people at HLGU.

It is common to see Amanda in action in different areas of campus, always pitching in and making the best of every opportunity. Her overflowing mercy and grace have encouraged many people at HLGU, and she has earned the respect and admiration of all who know her.People frequently express their gratitude for Amanda’s willingness to step up and fill any gap as necessary. She is a true asset to 番茄社区 University, and for these reasons, she is being recognized as the Immanuel Staff Member of the Year.

Both HLGU award winners were honored during the May 2024 HLGU commencement ceremony.

Four students from HLGU are preparing to compete in the 24-hour news competition sponsored by the National Religious Broadcasters or the NRB. The group from HLGU have already won five national awards from the NRB, including first place in TV newscast and first place in TV news story. The HLGU students will accept those awards on February 26 in Nashville.

While in Nashville, HLGU students will also compete against 150 other college students from all around the US during the 24-hour news challenge. During the competition, students will write, shoot, and edit a television news segment all on their own without any help from their faculty sponsor. In 2018, students from HLGU placed 4th in this national news competition.

鈥淭his trip will allow our students to practice their journalism skills in a real world situation. It really is an incredible opportunity for our students,鈥� said Christy Jung, assistant professor of communication studies at HLGU.

HLGU student, Emma Anderson was one of the students who participated in the contest in 2018. She will return to Nashville for the 2020 competition. Joining Anderson are three additional students, Kelsey McCaughey, Kamey Tyler, and Alex Bradley.

鈥淧articipating in the 24-hour news challenge is a perfect way to put everything we鈥檝e learned in the classroom into action. It provides a special opportunity to get real world experience in a fun, competitive atmosphere,鈥� said Anderson.

鈥淥ur students are so excited to compete in Nashville,鈥� Jung added. 鈥淥ur program provides lots of hands-on learning so our students are prepared and ready to compete. Our students are committed to telling stories with integrity and professionalism.鈥�

If you would like to help make a donation to offset the cost of this trip, you can give online at hlg.edu/giving or by calling the HLGU Institutional Advancement office at 573-629-3124. Be sure to indicate that your donation is for the student NRB trip to Nashville.

Sabrina has served in a variety of roles across the University throughout her time here. Currently, she is the faculty sponsor and director of The New Edition, a traveling repertory troupe specializing in Christian theatre. The troupe leads creative worship in churches, conferences, and youth events, presenting challenging messages with a biblical foundation in a way that people clearly understand. The New Edition has performed across the United States and internationally and has the reputation of being one of the finest Christian college drama troupes in the nation.

Sabrina also oversees all the theatrical productions at HLGU, working with a diverse group of students and community members to produce high-quality plays and musicals.

For more information about this award, contact the academic administration office at 573-629-3092.