VCUQ Chair of Fashion Design Sandra Wilkins, recently received the first Distinguished Achievement for Service Award. Dr. John Schmeelk, Professor of Mathematics also received the first Distinguished Achievement for Research Award. The awards were announced by Allyson Vanstone, VCUQ Dean.
These awards were designed to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves over a period of years for their outstanding contributions in the areas of service and research.
Sandra holds her B.F.A. in Fashion from VCU in Richmond. She became a member of the Fashion Department Faculty in VCU Richmond in 1978 and served as acting chair of the department from 1992-1996. She joined the faculty here in Qatar in 1999 where she has served as the area coordinator and department chair since 2004.
Thanking the faculty, administration and staff she said. "I was speechless and humbled by the honor and I want you all to know just how much I appreciate it. It is especially wonderful to be honored for doing what I am compelled to do."
"When Sherry Blankenship, VCUQ's graphic designer, heard about the faculty awards, Sandra Wilkins immediately came to her mind "Sandra stands out in everything she does that's why I nominated her for the Distinguished Achievements in Service Award." said Sherry.
Dr. Schmeelk earned his PhD in mathematics from George Washington University and joined the VCU Richmond faculty in 1975 as an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics. He became full professor in 1994. He joined the VCUQ faculty in 2001 where he teaches mathematics and has continued his research in the area of three dimensional digital image processing using edge detectors.
"My commitment to research is longstanding parts of my academic career that has exposed me to new cultures and diverse people as well as to new ideas that have progressed my understanding of mathematics and helped inform my teaching," said Dr. Schmeelk upon presentation of the award. "I am very grateful and deeply honored that VCUQ has recognized and rewarded my efforts in this way."
