Simpson Announces Faculty and Staff Award Winners

Simpson College presented its Fall 2024 Faculty and Staff Awards during its recent 2024-25 academic year kick-off breakfast. Four faculty members and a staff member were honored at the event.

Below is the complete list of faculty and staff award winners.

Faculty Award for Campus Leadership: Ross Sweet, Ph.D., associate professor of math

The Faculty Award for Campus Leadership recognizes a faculty member who has provided outstanding campus leadership in service to students. Nominees demonstrate outstanding leadership skills in mentoring new faculty members, directing campus-wide projects, providing committee service, recruiting and more.

Professor Sweet has been described as someone with outstanding leadership, stewardship, and a strong focus on preserving faculty rights and responsibilities on campus. His colleagues say he demonstrates exceptional knowledge of all things faculty-related, making him an amazing leader on campus.

Exemplary Teaching Award: Lisa Carponelli, professor of multimedia communication; Daryl Sasser, Ph.D., assistant professor of history

The Faculty Award for Exemplary Teaching recognizes a full-time faculty member at Simpson College who exemplifies excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to value-centered education, and service to students, the institution, and the community. This year, there were two recipients: Lisa Carponelli, professor of multimedia communication, and Daryl Sasser, assistant professor of history.

Professor Carponelli is known as a natural at classroom engagement. She takes an active interest in the full development of her students as academics, professionals, and human beings. She is also an active member in her field in the professional world, bringing unique opportunities in the industry to Simpson students.

Professor Sasser is noted to have an open discussion teaching style, creating an environment for the students to interact with the information rather than memorizing it for a test and never remembering it past that. He presents topics from multiple perspectives, allowing the students to interact more with the information. One student said, “I’ve learned more in their class than I have in any other class.”

Distinguished Junior Faculty Award: Amanda Martens, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology

The Distinguished Junior Faculty Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding teaching, professional development, service to the College and advising.

Professor Martens has been described as someone who goes above and beyond for their students, structuring her classes in a way that allows the students to engage with the material in a meaningful way. She has also served on multiple committees and as the faculty advisor for several student groups and many other roles during her time here at Simpson.

Staff Service to the College Award: Chelsea Grenier, assistant to the president and director of community relations

The Staff Service to the College Award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates service to the College beyond the scope of their normal duties.

Grenier’s nominator said the following about her service:

“Throughout her time at Simpson College, she has consistently gone above and beyond in their contributions to our # ONESimpson community. Whether mentoring new staff, leading pivotal campus-wide initiatives, or actively engaging in both campus and community outreach, she has demonstrated a commitment to excellence that is truly inspiring.

Her leadership, dedication and positive energy has left a lasting impact on Simpson College, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.”