Covey College of Allied Health Professions Honors Ceremony – Spring 2023

Dr. Christopher Watts
Covey College of Allied Health Professions Hall of Fame

Dr. Elizabeth Adams, chair and associate professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, presented this year’s Covey College of Allied Health Professions Hall of Fame Award to Dr. Christopher Watts ’94, ‘98. Individuals are nominated for this honor because of their outstanding contributions to their field. Watts completed a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences and a Ph.D. in communication science and disorders at the University of South Alabama.

Watts currently serves as the Dean of the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Texas Christian University. He has served in multiple leadership roles at TCU and also held faculty positions at the University of Central Florida, James Madison University and the University of South Alabama. He has nearly 70 peer-reviewed research and scholarly publications and over 130 professional presentations.

The Watts family established the Watts and Marsh Family Scholarship in 2014. The scholarship provides financial assistance to full-time undergraduate students studying in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. 

Erin Lunn
Excellence in Teaching

The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to a faculty member who ensures that students receive an excellent foundation in science and practice of their profession. Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey, dean of the Covey College of Allied Health Professions, presented the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award to Erin Lunn, assistant professor and director of clinical education in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. She has developed and led several interprofessional education events and continues to make adjustments and improvements to her courses. 

Based on student feedback, she has innovated clinical education through active learning activities that occur immediately after each rotation. She is often described as a student advocate, a leader and an excellent team member. 

Dr. Nancy Rice
Excellence in Service

The Excellence in Service Award is centered around a faculty member’s commitment to the institution, community and to allied health professions. The 2023 Excellence in Service Award recipient is Dr. Nancy Rice, chair and professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. She has been a leader through significant innovations in the department and has led meaningful strategic planning sessions and retreats. She has expanded the department’s undergraduate curriculum into three tracks and helped develop a master’s level program. She is considered a leader with vision as she fosters shared governance and supports the diverse interests and goals of faculty.

Angela Smith
Excellence in Administrative Support

The Excellence in Administrative Support Award is presented each year to an outstanding member of the college’s administrative staff. The 2023 Excellence in Administrative Support Award recipient is Angela Smith, secretary in the Department of Physical Therapy. She serves an important role in supporting the development of students and celebrating their achievements, and she is always willing to volunteer to support activities and events. She started her career at USA Health in 1989 and moved to main campus in 1994. Since then, she’s worked in a variety of roles across campus. 

She is known to go the extra mile to make sure students and faculty have everything they need and can troubleshoot potential problems that are presented to her. She is key to supporting the work of the department.