F or the past year, Dr. Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, associate professor of Music and Faculty Success coordinator, and Dr. Steve Elliott-Gower, associate professor of Political Science, have been busy establishing an extensive database of over 850 grants, fellowships and awards. And that number is expected to grow to over 1,000 by the end of the summer. 

“It’s not only about creating a website or a database; it’s about creating a culture in which faculty are encouraged and supported as they research and apply for awards,” said Dr. Jim Berger, director, Center for Teaching and Learning. “Dana and Steve’s goal is to make faculty aware of opportunities that are available, and make the awards database a tool to assist faculty in that process.”

The database is part of the Faculty Awards initiative to promote external faculty awards and assist them in receiving the recognition and professional development that come with such awards. Faculty can also suggest awards to include in the database. 

“While supporting faculty as they apply for awards certainly requires excellent writing, editing and networking skills, there isn’t a blueprint for how to get the job done,” said Berger. “It was Steve’s idea to model the Faculty Awards initiative on the success of the National Scholarships Office at Georgia College.”

The awards database is geared to efficiently connect faculty to opportunities for funding Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, research, gaining professional visibility and collaborating with individuals doing similar work. 

After some research, Gorzelany-Mostak and Elliott-Gower discovered that Georgia College is one of the few institutions to have an awards database in such a streamlined format which is tailored to the university's mission.

“Dana and Steve are available to assist applicants in refining their writing and in compiling materials,” said Berger. “Overall, the success of the university depends on the success of its faculty, the development of the awards database and the efforts of Dana and Steve, who push the institution towards that ever-present goal of national preeminence.” 

The application process can forward one’s career and increase professional visibility in a way other types of scholarly activities do not.

“Just going through the application process helps faculty clarify their professional development goals,” said Elliott-Gower, “and in the case of recognition awards, reflect upon their professional journey.”

Angela Roberts, lecturer of nursing, applied for a national Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. She found Gorzelany-Mostak extremely helpful in the application process.

“She helped me format my CV to bring it to professional standards,” said Roberts. “She also critiqued my personal statement, so I stayed within the required guidelines and submitted my information to the award committee. Dr. Gorzelany-Mostak was quick to respond to my emails and even provided template letters to send my faculty requesting letters of recommendation for submission.”  

“Being a new faculty member with no experience of how to apply for an award, I relied on her expertise,” Roberts said. “Dr. Gorzelany-Mostak was a lifesaver.”

Dr. Rob Sumowski, associate professor of special education and program coordinator for the Master of Education and Education Specialist programs in the Lounsbury College of Education, was recently named the winner of the Charles Dunn Award for Faculty from the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). 

After being nominated for the award, Sumowski was asked to forward information on his approach to building relationships with students to Elliott-Gower, who helped in the application process.

“The assistance I received made all of the difference,” said Sumowski. “Dr. Elliott-Gower gathered information from the various documents I provided him, and then we had an extended conversation prior to his penning the university-level nomination. He is a master of his craft.”

Regarding awards, Sumowski learned from World War II Veteran Judge Taylor Phillips, who was awarded the Navy Cross, that about half of a successful nomination lies in the merit of whatever was achieved while the other half involves how well the achievement is written up.

“Upon my receipt of the award, my first thanks were to Steve,” he said. “The last thing one thinks about when attempting to reach students is an award. Watching my graduates enter the field and become wildly successful is enough for me. Still, I was humbled beyond belief to be recognized nationally, especially coming from a faculty as talented as the one here at Georgia College. I stand grateful.”

Sumowski appreciates that Georgia College believes in the importance of institutional memory. 

“This faculty is a collection of amazing individuals and impassioned teachers,” he said. “It is truly humbling to be surrounded by teaching and learning at the level one finds here every day. It is profound. In fact, it’s magic.”

For more information, check out the External Grants, Awards and Fellowships page on CTL’s website, which features an Awards Spotlight, Previous Award Winners, and a link to the searchable GC awards database. For support during the application process, please contact Gorzelany-Mostak and Elliott-Gower.