David O'Dell, M.D., professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine, has been named UNMC's inaugural Educator Laureate. He will be honored, along with six fellow faculty members, at UNMC’s first 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. The Omaha native is a 1984 alum of the UNMC College of Medicine and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1980 at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
"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,” Dr. Davies said. “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.”
Other recipients of 2016 Academic Affairs Impact in Education Awards include:
Innovative Practices in Education Award — Paul Paulman, M.D., is a professor in the UNMC Department of Family Medicine. The 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. A native of Sutherland, Neb., Dr. Paulman earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1974 and his medical degree in 1977 from the UNMC College of Medicine.
Inspirational Mentor of Educators Award — Shelby Kutty, M.D., Ph.D., is vice chair of the UNMC Department of Pediatrics, an associate professor of pediatrics, internal medicine and physiology and director of cardiac imaging and research. The 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. Dr. Kutty has mentored more than 35 UNMC trainees over the last eight years. In 1995, he earned his medical degree from Calicut University in India. He lives in Elkhorn and is from Kochi, India.
Interprofessional Education Scholar Award — Devin Nickol, M.D., is an associate professor in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine. The award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to interprofessional education locally, regionally, or nationally. Dr. Nickol earned his bachelor’s degree from Drake University in 1992 and his medical degree from UNMC in 1996. He lives in Omaha and is a native of Lincoln.
Research in Education Scholar Award-Gary Beck Dallaghan, Ph.D., is an assistant dean for medical education and director in the Office of Medical Education and an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Pediatrics. The award recognizes an individual who has advanced the educational literature through peer-reviewed publications, educational grants, and original research. Dr. Beck earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1989, his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2006 and his doctoral degree in 2011 from Capella University. He is a native of Milo, Iowa and lives in Omaha.
Valor in Educational Service Award-Alan Richards, M.D., is an adjunct associate professor in the UNMC Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The award recognizes volunteer, emeritus, or adjunct faculty whose daily service to learners exemplifies the spirit of outstanding teaching or clinical supervision. In 1966, he earned his medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He lives in Omaha and is a native of South Africa.
Visionary Leadership in Education Award-Maurice Godfrey, Ph.D., of West Long Branch, N.J., is a professor in the Munroe-Meyer Institute. The 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. Dr. Godfrey earned his bachelor’s degree in 1977 from Monmouth College and his doctoral degree in 1986 from Columbia University.
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