Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2016 Hand Awards for Distinguished Faculty Achievement.
Jason Evans, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Studies
Hand Award for Research, Creative and Professional Activity
Dixon Sutherland, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies
Hand Award for Community Impact
Through the generosity of Homer and Dolly Hand of Belle Glade, Florida, the University has established honorary monetary awards to recognize outstanding faculty work. This year, we recognize the professional achievements of two outstanding members in two categories.
The Hand Award for Community Impact celebrates the achievements of faculty serving the needs of the community, both the Stetson community and the community beyond the campus. It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to present this award to one individual for distinctive faculty leadership and achievement.
DIXON SUTHERLAND has been an important member of the Stetson community since joining the faculty as Associate Professor of Religion and Director of the Institute for Christian Ethics in 1991. Throughout his tenure, he has worked faithfully on committees and task forces too numerous to mention. Dr. Sutherland is especially noted for his work with the Values Council, as advisor to the Edmunds Scholars Program, one of Stetson University’s most prestigious scholarships, and the Ethics Committee of the DeLand Hospital. He worked with former President Douglas Lee to establish the Howard Thurman Center at Stetson, an office dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Howard Thurman, whose life and written works inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. and many leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement. According to one reference, “Dr. Sutherland has given generously of his time, energy, and abilities to make Stetson and the surrounding community a better place for the present and the future.” For his professional commitment and deep impact on the Stetson Community, Dr. Dixon Sutherland receives the 2016 Hand Award for Community Impact.
The Hand Award for Research, Creative, and Professional Activity celebrates faculty achievement, accomplishment, leadership, and contribution to the intellectual vibrancy and vitality of our campus. This Hand Award recognizes that excellence is to be found in innovative as well as traditional forms of scholarship that demonstrate substantive disciplinary or interdisciplinary knowledge. It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to present this award to one individual for distinctive achievement and leadership.
Jason Evans joined the faculty at Stetson University in 2014 as Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Studies. His research focus is spatial analysis of flood risks in the southeast, sea level risk analysis, climate change impact, policy development, and stakeholder communication. Dr. Evans’ collaborations with colleagues at institutions across the country resulted in fruitful grantsmanship. Three of his four active grants are federally funded. His recent publication in Nature Climate Change, one of the top journals in science, resulted in landslide media interest including a recent interview on National Public Radio’s Science Friday. The media continues to seek his expertise on impact of climate change on sea level rise and our students have benefited greatly. The impact of his scientific and civic engagement, especially as an early career faculty, distinguishes him as a teacher-scholar who significantly contributes to the vibrancy and vitality of our Stetson community, the region, the nation, and the globe. For his professional commitment and in recognition and celebration of his distinctive achievement and leadership in research, Dr. Jason Evans receives the 2016 Hand Award for Research, Creative, and Professional Activity.
Presented by Provost Noel Painter on May 11, 2016 at the 130rd annual Undergraduate Commencement