GALVESTON, Texas - Vicki S. Freeman, professor of clinical laboratory sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, has been selected by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation as a 2008 Piper Professor.
Freeman is one of 15 recipients of the prestigious award which recognizes outstanding college educators.
UTMB president Dr. David L. Callender said the Piper designation is "most fitting" and "brings great credit to UTMB and the UT System.
"Dr. Freeman is known internationally as an advocate for excellence in health professional education and for her work to promote the teaching of clinical laboratory sciences in Africa," he said.
Freeman was honored recently at a reception attended by Dr. Garland Anderson, executive vice president and provost, Elizabeth Protas, interim dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Callender, as well as her family and special guests.
Anderson read a congratulatory letter from Sen. John Cornyn, who thanked Freeman for her commitment and diligence as an educator.
Freeman is one of the inaugural members of UTMB's Academy of Master Teachers, and was appointed a Marie Hall Scholar and Distinguished Teaching Professor during her term. She was also an Academy of Master Teachers Lifetime Achievement Award finalist.
She has been involved in developing multiple educational avenues in clinical laboratory sciences education and has expanded CLS education opportunities through the use of special delivery methods such as interactive video teleconferencing and web-based courses for students in rural and underserved areas, as well as those on the UTMB campus.
Award selection is made on the basis of nominations submitted by each college or university in the State of Texas. The first Piper award was given in 1958. The roster of Piper Professors includes outstanding professors from two and four-year colleges and universities, public and private.