David O'Dell, M.D.

David O'Dell, M.D., professor in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine and a '84 UNMC alum, has been named UNMC's inaugural Educator Laureate. He will be honored, along with six fellow faculty members, at the inaugural Academic Affairs Impact in Education Awards Ceremony on Feb. 10.

Dr. O'Dell's award recognizes an individual with sustained achievement in education who has significantly improved the UNMC learning environment through the provision of outstanding educational experiences.

"As we institute these new awards recognizing exceptional educational ability among the faculty at UNMC, I can think of few professors who more exemplify the qualities of the consummate teacher than Dr. O'Dell," said Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dele Davies, M.D.

"The selection committee of peers noted that he combines a depth of knowledge on his subject with excellent communication skills and commitment to ongoing evaluation of his teaching, as well as unparalleled educational mentorship of junior faculty. His dedication to his students was also noted as being above the grain as attested to comments by many of his students and numerous past teaching awards. For these reasons among others, I am pleased he has been chosen to be honored as UNMC's first-ever Educator Laureate."

Other recipients of 2016 Academic Affairs Impact in Education Awards include:

Innovative Practices in Education Award:

• Paul Paulman, M.D., professor in the UNMC Department of Family Medicine and '77 UNMC alum

This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates ingenuity, courage and creativity in teaching including innovations in use of educational technology, experiential learning, adoption of simulation and creative use of the classroom, as well as an engaging presentation style.

Inspirational Mentor of Educators Award:

• Shelby Kutty, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pediatrics, internal medicine and physiology; director of cardiac imaging and research

This award recognizes an individual who has mentored and sponsored junior faculty or trainees at the local, regional, or national level including a consistent track record of fostering future educators.

Interprofessional Education Scholar Award:

• Devin Nickol, M.D., associate professor, UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine

This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to interprofessional education locally, regionally, or nationally.

Research in Education Scholar Award:

• Gary Beck Dallaghan, Ph.D., assistant dean for medical education and director, Office of Medical Education; assistant professor, UNMC Department of Pediatrics

This award recognizes an individual who has advanced the educational literature through peer-reviewed publications, educational grants, and original research.

Valor in Educational Service Award:

• Alan Richards, M.D., adjunct associate professor, UNMC Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

This award recognizes volunteer, emeritus, or adjunct faculty whose daily service to our learners exemplifies the spirit of outstanding teaching or clinical supervision.

Visionary Leadership in Education Award:

• Maurice Godfrey, Ph.D., professor, Munroe-Meyer Institute

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the ability to skillfully establish or administer an educational initiative or role at UNMC or a national organization.