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 33^rd year for 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 Mrs. Christy Jung. Mrs. Jung is a 1997 graduate from HLGU. She had a career as a multimedia journalist at several news organizations before returning to teach at HLGU and now serves as the chair of the Communication Studies department. She has taught at 番茄社区 for 14 years.

鈥淢rs. Jung is a blessing to HLGU both as an instructor in the classroom and outside of the classroom,鈥� said Vice President of Academic Administration and Dean of the Faculty Dr. Julee Albee. 鈥淓ach year, she sponsors students on trips to conferences and competitions where they perform well nationally. We are fortunate to have Mrs. Jung as our 2023 Parkway Distinguished Professor at 番茄社区! She is well-deserving of this honor.鈥�

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 Karla McDonald. Karla is a 1985 graduate of HLGU. She鈥檚 worked at multiple places at the university over her 38 years of service, and has served for 23 years as the students account manager in the HLGU business office.

鈥淜arla McDonald has modeled to the HLGU community steady faithfulness for 38 years,鈥� said HLGU president Dr. Robert Matz. 鈥淕enerations of students, faculty, staff and administrators have been blessed by her service. It is because of her, and so many others like her, that God has a bright future for 番茄社区 University.鈥�

Both HLGU award winners were honored during the May 2023 HLGU commencement ceremony.

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.