March 6, 2010

Professional Excellence Award Winners Named at DWU for Spring

Kristy O’Kief

Jesse Weins

MITCHELL — Jesse Weins and Kristy O’Kief are the winners of the Professional Excellence Awards for the second quarter at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Director of financial aid O’Kief is the staff winner. A nomination for O’Kief described her as professional, well-informed of the changes in financial aid and a skilled leader for her department.

“Kristy is very knowledgeable on all the changes and updates in financial aid and does a wonderful job ensuring that each student has a financial aid package to meet their needs,” a nomination stated. “Kristy puts the students first, whether it means working over lunch, or coming to work early and staying late.”

Weins, assistant professor of criminal justice and department chairman, was selected as the faculty winner. Weins has made significant contributions to the university over the past year as a faculty member. Part of this has been academically, as he began a thorough review of the criminal justice program, reshaping and improving it and adding a new minor, as well as other courses to the curriculum. He also recently co-authored an article on “sexting” that was published in a major law journal and featured in numerous television and newspaper pieces.

“Jesse models learning, leadership, faith and service – both in and out of the classroom,” stated one nomination. “He is continually seeking ways to convey information in a manner that ensures student engagement of important topics. He is innovative in his approach to the curriculum as is evidenced by the partnerships he has sought with local community agencies and his integration of speakers into the various classes as well as the criminal justice program overall. Jesse’s research speaks as well to his engagement of learning on a more global level. His insight, compassion, and thoughtful article (on sexting) will provide an important framework for the legal system as they begin to deal with issues of this nature.”

The Professional Excellence Award is given three times a year to a faculty and staff member. The quarterly winners are then considered for the year-end awards for faculty and staff.

Winners are given campus recognition and a gift certificate. The award recognizes employees for “outstanding service, for exemplary commitment to the university and for making a difference in the lives of students.”

The DWU Employee Recognition Committee selects the quarterly winners from nominations submitted by faculty, staff members and students.