Beal, Scoles receive MVNU Excellence In the Call awards

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Faculty and staff at Mount Vernon Nazarene University celebrated peers Dr. Carrie Beal and Samantha Scoles during the Excellence In the Call awards reception held Nov. 9, in the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium. Recipients are selected by an award committee through a review process of peer nominations.

Dr. Beal, Biology Professor and Physical Sciences Department Chair, was recognized for her excellence in the classroom, department leadership, and the respect and admiration earned from her colleagues and students.

“Her ability to articulate complex concepts in clear, straight-forward ways is always noted by her students. In the classroom, she demonstrates professionalism and compassion. She holds students to a high standard of performance, but she is willing to devote the time needed outside of the classroom to ensure that the motivated students thrive,” stated one of her peer nominations.

“Carrie is a wonderful professor and fantastic leader for the Biology and Physical Sciences Department. Carrie is beloved by students, both for her teaching excellence as well as her evident care for them both in and out of the classroom. Carrie has led the Biology and Chemistry programs with excellence, ensuring the continued strength of the programs. Carrie actively empowers her fellow faculty to take leadership in helping to grow the program,” stated another colleague. “I have benefited greatly from her wisdom and example, which have helped me to become a better leader myself. Finally, Carrie is a caring and compassionate leader as her encouragement has helped me through some of the most difficult challenges that I have faced at MVNU. I am grateful to serve under her excellent leadership.”

Scoles, Communications Director, was described as a selfless team player who puts MVNU’s best interest at the heart of all she does.

“Samantha is an absolute joy to work with. Her sense of humor and quick wit bring joy into the office. Her door is always open whether it’s for a serious conversation or just to bother her while she’s trying to get work done. She is a dedicated and highly accomplished member of our team, and her work exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and excellence,” stated a colleague. “The work Samantha does consistently adds significant value to the Marketing Department and benefits the entirety of MVNU. Her diligent work in communications and public relations shows that she has MVNU’s best interest in mind as she goes above and beyond to ensure that our school is represented well.”

“She has worked countless hours on several large projects for MVNU this year from the announcement of Dr. Castleman’s election as president to Giving Day to Homecoming and others in between. Samantha has helped our Marketing Department navigate through this extremely busy season. Through all her incredible work, she has remained selfless, humble, and always willing to lend a helping hand. It is an honor to work with her,” stated another nomination.

The quarterly award includes recognition at an employee reception, a certificate, and $500. The honor was developed and sponsored by donors, who are members of the faculty and staff, to applaud outstanding service, innovation, collegiality, peer leadership, and going beyond the call of duty as recognized and nominated from their peers. Nominations are reviewed by the Excellence in the Call Award Committee, chaired by Mel Severns, University Registrar. 

For information on open positions at MVNU, visit mvnu.edu/jobs.