Two Ohio University Southern faculty members were recognized for their demonstrated excellence both in teaching and scholarship and for their outstanding record of service to the campus and university at Thursday’s Graduate Recognition Ceremony.

Each year the regional campus system of Ohio University recognizes the outstanding performance of a professor and lecturer. This year, Associate Professor of Sociology Dr. Charles Jarrett was selected as the Regional Higher Education Outstanding Professor Award. Director of the Equine Studies program Kelly Hall was selected as the Regional Higher Education Outstanding Lecturer. Nominations are solicited from all of Ohio University’s regional campuses.

Both Jarrett and Hall have been an integral part of the Southern Campus and their service has helped thousands of students achieve their academic, life and professional goals over the years.

Jarrett, who has been teaching for 33 years, has been recognized for excellence in education by Ohio Magazine, has received the Faculty Profiles in Achievement Award and has been recognized twice as a faculty newsmaker.

Ohio University Southern Dean Dr. Nicole Pennington said, “Dr. Charles Jarrett is a wonderful faculty member who truly cares about his students. He is very much deserving of the RHE Outstanding Professor Award.”

Jarrett said that he was incredibly honored to be recognized for this award. “The Regional Higher Education Outstanding Professor Award is absolutely the highest career honor a regional campus faculty member can receive. I consider this award a capstone achievement, a validation of my efforts to be the consummate professional educator,” Jarrett said.

He continued, “My research of the Gullah/Geechee community has taken me to the Sea Islands of South Carolina. I have been profoundly affected on a personal and professional level.  My National Public Radio stories are an attempt to preserve this unique indigenous culture and promote social and cultural diversity among our students and the residents of southeastern Ohio.”

Hall, who has been teaching at Ohio University Southern for 18 years and has been director of the Equine Studies program for 10 years.

Pennington said that Hall is incredibly passionate about her program and her students. “She is committed to the success of her students and goes above and beyond. I am so pleased that her good work has been recognized with this special award,” Pennington added.

Hall said, “Many people do not understand the work we do in the Equine Studies Program and the Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. This award illustrated that others recognize the hard work and passion that goes into teaching people about horses and how horses can improve the quality of life for people with challenges. I am thankful for the opportunity that Ohio University has given me to do what I love and believe in.”