College of Medicine claims five Leadership Awards Night honors
The Florida State University College of Medicine was well-represented among university-wide recipients at this year’ s Leadership Awards Night, held inside the FSU Student Union Ballrooms.
Hosted annually by the Office of Student Organizations and Involvement, the event recognizes FSU students, faculty, staff and organizations that have epitomized the definition of leadership by their exemplary contributions to the community through achievement, service or organizational leadership involvement.
A committed mentor to IMS students since her 2018 arrival, Stitely has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the department’ s Experiential Learning( EL) Database, which tracks student activity hours that are a graduation requirement. As an advisor, she meets with each student – there are 500 in the program – regularly posts EL opportunities online, connects students with opportunities based on personal and career goals, and helps keep them on track throughout the rigorous four-year, pre-medical education program.
The College of Medicine awards winners included three individuals and two student organizations.
Benjamin Smith and Allison Justice
Benjamin Smith, associate dean of the College of Medicine and program director of the School of Physician Assistant Practice, received one of three Faculty Leadership Awards for major contributions to the university community in areas of service and leadership. He was nominated by a colleague for his wide range of leadership and communication skills, exemplary character and willingness to engage in all areas of the department.
Smith joined the College of Medicine faculty in 2016, as the PA program was being created, and has held multiple roles including teaching faculty, director of didactic education and associate program director. He served a year as interim director before his December 2022 promotion to program director and associate dean.
Heather Stitely, senior academic program specialist and community coordinator with the college’ s Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences( IMS) program, was one of three recipients of Staff Leadership Awards.
Heather Stitely Matthew Stenberg, a junior in the IMS program, received the University Health Services( UHS) Award, recognizing a student or group dedicated to the promotion of health and wellness within the FSU community. Working with UHS, he helped launch and deliver a comprehensive student outreach drug abuse awareness program which Matthew Stenberg included the distribution of Narcan kits within the university’ s Greek system.
Stenberg completed Overdose Lifeline Narcan training last spring and made his first presentation to a fraternity in the fall, leading to the program’ s expansion. In addition, he is
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