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Faculty and staff members of the School of Health Sciences gathered at the Francis Center on April 15 to honor their peers in their dedication to external scholarship, teaching, mentoring, service and more.

The event began with an introduction from the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Maha Lund.

“Your accomplishments reflect not only your individual commitment, but also the high standards and shared purposes that guide you and all of us here at the School of Health Sciences,” said Lund. “So even if you don’t receive an award today, you are all winners in my mind.”

Grateful Award: Monica Isbell, director of academic accommodations and accessibility

This award recognizes any person who is not a full-time member of the School of Health Sciences who has an established pattern of support and who provides services to the greater School of Health Sciences community. It was presented by Janet Cope, professor of physical therapy education.

“With more than seventeen years of experience in disability services, Monica has strengthened systems that expand access and opportunity for all learners. She has worked closely with SHS faculty to ensure accommodations are not only timely and appropriate but also integrated thoughtfully into the learning environment,” said Cope. “What sets Monica apart is the genuine care she brings to her work. She consistently reminds us that accessibility is not just about policy—it is about belonging, dignity and ensuring every student can fully participate in our academic community. Through her leadership, advocacy and compassion, Monica has made a lasting impact on the School of Health Sciences and beyond.”

Excellence in Scholarship Award: Jack Magil, assistant professor of physical therapy education

This award is designed to recognize a full-time faculty member who exemplifies excellence in scholarship that advances the knowledge of one’s discipline or supports one’s teaching as the hallmark of the Elon Teacher-Scholar model. Scholarship is broadly defined to include scholarship of teaching and learning, interprofessional work, and community-based scholarship, as well as peer-reviewed traditional disciplinary work. The award was presented by Srikant Vallabhajosula, professor of physical therapy education.

“Since joining ����app�ٷ���վ�� in 2021, he has quickly established himself as a productive and influential scholar in sports and orthopedic physical therapy, with research focusing on pediatric and athletic performance, return-to-sport testing and clinical decision-making. His growing body of work includes multiple peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine and 20+ published abstracts that advance evidence-based practice in injury epidemiology, rehabilitation outcomes and functional performance norms,” said Vallabhajosula.

His research also extends to teaching and learning, investigating the predictors of the national licensure examination to improve educational outcomes in the health-care field. Additionally, his commitment to student mentorship is evident through his participation in the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, guiding students through data collection, analysis and presentations.

Excellence in Service, Leadership and Collaboration: Melissa Scales, associate professor of physical therapy education

This award is designed to recognize a full time School of Health Sciences community member who has served through service, leadership and/or collaboration. The award was presented by Bethany Fearnow, stimulation coordinator for the Interprofessional Stimulation Center.

“Scales has demonstrated strong leadership at the university level through her service on the Academic Council, where she represents the School of Health Sciences and will begin serving as chair-elect in August 2025. She also serves as co-chair of the Academic Council’s Service Working Group, helping develop university-wide guidelines and rubrics for faculty service. Her university service further includes work on the Committee on Committees, the Residential Campus Advisory Committee, and the Health Professions Advisory Committee, where she has mentored undergraduate students interested in health careers since 2017,” Fearnow said. “Her breadth of service, from university-wide leadership and policy development to mentorship and student engagement, exemplifies the spirit of service, leadership, and collaboration that strengthens the School of Health Sciences and ����app�ٷ���վ��.”

Staff Excellence Award: Bethany Fearnow, stimulation coordinator from the Interprofessional Stimulation Center

This award recognizes a full-time staff member of the School of Health Sciences who significantly advances the work of the school and their department. This award was presented by Gytis Balilionis, laboratory and donor coordinator.

“Bethany joined ����app�ٷ���վ�� in 2022 and quickly became an inseparable part of the IPSC team, contributing her talent, dedication, and collaborative spirit from the very first day,” said Balilonis. “Bethany consistently goes beyond the expectations of her role, and her evidence‑based approach, commitment to continuous learning, and dedication to quality improvement have directly enhanced the effectiveness, consistency, and overall impact of simulation‑based learning across the School of Health Sciences. Bethany creates a welcoming, inclusive environment where students and colleagues feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. Her calm presence, clear communication, and genuine care help others stay supported and confident, even in high‑stress situations.”

Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring: Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing

This award highlights a full-time community member who exemplifies excellence in teaching and mentoring. It was presented by Rob Slaughter, assistant professor of nursing.

“Over the past several years, Jeanmarie Koonts has consistently demonstrated what it means to be an exceptional teacher, mentor, and colleague. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping not only knowledgeable nursing students but confident, compassionate future professionals,” said Slaughter. “Those who know Jeanmarie also recognize the energy and presence she brings to her work every day. She approaches her teaching and mentoring with optimism, warmth, and a genuine enthusiasm that is truly contagious. She always has a smile, always brings positivity, and always makes time for others.”

Koonts serves as a faculty advisor for both the Student Nurses Association and Club Nursing. Additionally, her commitment to experiential learning has been demonstrated through leading a study abroad course for student in Puerto Rico, immersing them in real-world practice of nursing to develop cultural competence.

Nominations for faculty and staff awards remain active year-round. Read more about the School of Health Sciences.