A new award named in honor of President Shirley M. Collado recognizes Ithaca College faculty members who exemplify Collado’s vision of excellence in education through an inclusive approach to teaching, research and/or leadership in the classroom, on campus and in the community. The President Shirley M. Collado Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Ithaca College Community is intended to support the professional development of the chosen faculty member, providing $5,000 to further enhance their capacity for equitable and inclusive leadership in all relevant academic and community areas.
The award is supported through a gift from Gloria Hobbs, an honorary member of the Ithaca College Board of Trustees. Hobbs was inspired to create the award after learning about Collado’s inclusive vision for the Ithaca College community through presidential communications and meeting her at the college’s 2018 Commencement ceremony, at which Hobbs received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.
“President Shirley M. Collado’s leadership and commitment to realizing Ithaca College’s potential as a place where all students can excel and succeed is a breath of fresh air for a community I care so much about,” said Hobbs. “It is my hope that this award encourages those faculty members who best typify President Collado’s approach to education to continue and expand their efforts to build a diverse and inclusive learning community.”
A longtime educator and civil rights activist, Hobbs became the first African American elected to the IC Board of Trustees in 1972. She has since had a long and deep relationship with the college, including establishing the Gloria Hobbs Scholarship for deserving minority students.
“Gloria’s fearless, spectacular life is a strong source of inspiration for me, and to be honored by her in this way is tremendously humbling,” said Collado. “Gloria has had an amazing career as a trailblazing educator, and has truly personified the meaning of bold, inclusive leadership in the classroom and in the world. I am so proud that IC is now home to an award that celebrates these very same qualities among our own faculty.”
Faculty at the associate professor rank or above, whether tenured or continuing contract, are eligible for the award, which will be administered through the Center for Faculty Excellence.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs La Jerne Terry Cornish welcomed the creation of the award, noting the importance of celebrating the work of faculty.
“When I first arrived at Ithaca College, I immediately stated that one of my goals was to highlight and recognize the tremendous work being done by our faculty,” said Cornish. “The President Shirley M. Collado Award will shine a bright light on stellar faculty members committed to inclusive excellence within and beyond the campus community.”