at Tuscarawas recognized outstanding students, faculty, staff and community members during the Spring Awards Ceremony on Fri., April 11, at the Performing Arts Center. Nearly 300 family and friends were on hand as over 50 students were recognized for their academic achievement. Several awards – including the Distinguished Teaching Award – were also presented.
Each year, the Tuscarawas County University Foundation recognizes one part-time faculty member and one full-time faculty member with the Distinguished Teaching Award, one of the highest honors presented to a faculty member. Students, staff and faculty submit nominations for faculty they believe embody the characteristics of a distinguished teacher.
The 2024-2025 Part-Time Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to nursing faculty Mistey Bailey. Graduating in 2006 from the Tuscarawas associate degree in nursing program, Bailey has since held several positions in the nursing department and is currently working with first-year nursing students in the nursing skills laboratory classroom. The award represents Bailey’s excellence in teaching, commitment to her profession and her ability to spark interest and understanding among students.
“As a lab instructor, I introduce students to the foundational bedside skills required to care for patients,” said Bailey. “At graduation each year, it’s rewarding to see how every student has grown from that novice student into a future nurse. It’s gratifying to know that I was a part of their journey.”
The Full-Time Distinguished Teaching Award will be announced during the upcoming Commencement Ceremony on May 8.
The Community Engagement Staff Award recipient was presented to Lead IT User Support Analyst Seth Finlayson. As a versatile IT professional, Finlayson’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities crucial to maintaining and advancing the technological infrastructure of Tuscarawas. Additionally, Finlayson serves as the Tech Club advisor, fostering technological interest and skills among students.
The Technology Club received the Community Engagement Club Award. Club members promote knowledge and an exchange of ideas about technology and computers. The club enhances engagement across technology-related disciplines through learning opportunities and social activities. The club supports the campus and the community through several outreach projects, including raising funds to create the campus disc golf course, participating in Halloween Trunk or Treat, hosting Game-A-Paloozas and running the concession stand for Golden Eagles events.
Callee Barker received the Student Leadership Award. Barker is on track to graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technologydegree. While demonstrating leadership in multiple areas, Barker was recognized by the faculty and staff for the initiative and diligence she brought to every project. This includes her performance in the classroom and her pursuit of a highly sought-after internship program. Barker is a key leader and mentor of the Rural Scholars program in engineering technology and the current president of Undergraduate Student Government.
Steve Stokey of Allied Machine & Engineering received the Exceptional Community Engagement Community Partner Award. Stokey, the executive vice president at Allied Machine and Engineering, began his education at Tuscarawas. He went on to earn his degree in industrial and systems engineering from The Ohio State University and joined the family-owned company in 1987. Stokey is the ex officio chairman of the Association for Manufacturing Technology, past president of the United States Cutting Tool Institute, and a member of the Ohio Executive Council for Project Lead the Way. He has also served as chairman of the board of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation.
As a graduate of New Philadelphia High School and lifetime resident of the area, Stokey is dedicated to supporting the local community—specifically local schools and their students. Not only has he helped Tuscarawas County to embrace a collaborative effort between education and industry, but Stokey has also visited schools outside of the area to share insights with district leaders about Project Lead the Way and the importance of investing in STEM education. His passion for the Project Lead the Way program is exemplified in his support of a variety of events including the bridge building competition, the Project Lead the Way student showcase and the SumoBot competition.