California State University, Bakersfield honored five educators on Thursday for their contributions to the university and the community.
Academic Senate Chair Dr. Melissa Danforth announced CSUB’s faculty award recipients for the 2024-25 academic year during University Day on Thursday, which brought together hundreds of faculty and staff to celebrate the start of the new academic year.
“These are educators who consistently provide our students with the critical components necessary to achieve a high-quality education,” Dr. Danforth said. “Not only do they contribute to the overall mission of CSUB, but they also contribute greatly to their individual fields, elevating the prestige of a degree obtained from our institution and the reputation of the university in the local community and beyond.”
This year’s faculty award recipients are:
MILLIE ABLIN EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Dr. Jacobsen teaches a wide range of courses designed to meet requirements for both general education and for biology majors. She incorporates research experiences into all of her classes so students can learn how to conduct high-quality hands-on research.
Dr. Jacobsen has also been involved with several grant projects over the years, including co-directing a U.S. Department of Education grant for Hispanic students looking to get into STEM fields.
The Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching Award is named after an educator who served as a member of the board of directors of the CSUB Foundation and was a longstanding supporter and contributor to CSUB and the community. The award is intended to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching.
“Nothing brings me greater joy as an educator than mentoring my students through the scientific process,” Dr Jacobsen said. “I typically start planning each of my courses a year or more prior to when it is offered, because it takes time to design and implement learning experiences that build student confidence while also enabling students to make meaningful contributions to scientific knowledge. Students learn science by contributing to it themselves! It is an honor to be selected for this award by my faculty peers, and to be recognized for my dedication to the educational experiences of our students.”
FACULTY LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Sun has been a part of the CSUB community since 2005. She is the key facilitator of the strategic planning process in the College of Business and Public Administration (BPA) and has co-led the Public Policy and Administration Department’s assessment and accreditation efforts.
Dr. Sun has been chair of her department and has served on several committees both on and off campus.
She has also been appointed as a Faculty Leadership Fellow, leading campus-wide efforts in improving academic program review at CSUB. She currently serves on the Vision Committee and as co-chair of the Grants Allocation Committee of Kern County Women’s and Girls’ Fund.
The Faculty Leadership and Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the principle and practice of shared governance and service to the community.
“I am honored to receive the Faculty Leadership and Service Award,” Dr. Sun said. “I appreciate the recognition and would like to thank those I have worked with over the years. This award is truly a tribute to the collective effort and dedication.”
OUTSTANDING LECTURER AWARD
Dr. Deal joined CSUB’s Economics Department in 2016, prior to which he was a tenured professor and department chair at a liberal arts college in Indiana. Besides being a full-time lecturer, he has also been the director of the Agricultural Business program since joining the university.
Dr. Deal has served on many committees over the years. He has chaired the BPA Assessment and Curriculum Committee as well as the Strategic Planning Committee. He is also a current member of the Academic Senate.
The Outstanding Lecturer Award was established to honor a full-time lecturer for excellence in teaching effectiveness and service to the CSUB community.
“I feel privileged to have been given the Outstanding Lecturer award this year. There are many deserving lecturers who often go unrecognized. In addition to teaching, many lecturers undertake service and scholarship activities (although not required) that provide substantial benefits to the students and University. I believe this award recognizes all the contributions of the many dedicated lecturers across campus.”
PROMISING NEW FACULTY AWARD
Dr. Bui was hired in 2021 to establish the new public health bachelor’s degree program, helping develop its courses and curriculum as well as assisting with the formation of the Public Health Department. She is a health policy and services researcher specialized in child and maternal health. Dr. Bui is focused on reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The Promising New Faculty Award recognizes exemplary achievements in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activities and/or service among all full-time, tenure-track faculty or assistant professors.
“I am honored to receive this award. I am proud to contribute to the development and expansion of the public health program,” she said. “I feel thankful for the endless support from the public health team and the Nursing Department during my first three years at CSUB. I am excited to continue supporting my students who will be public health professionals serving the wellbeing of our local community. I am also thrilled about potential research collaboration with colleagues across campus and community partners to address health issues of Kern County residents.”
FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY AWARD
Dr. Lauer was hired at CSUB in 2007, where she maintains an active lab and supervises both undergraduate and graduate students in research. Dr. Lauer — an environmental microbiologist — has developed research programs examining fungal pathogens that cause Valley Fever and are causing declines in the population of certain species of amphibians. Over the past five years, she has been awarded seven research grants and has published nearly a dozen peer-reviewed manuscripts.
The Faculty Scholarship and Creative Activity Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the principle and practice of research.
“Receiving the Faculty Scholarship and Creative Activity award this year has been very motivating to continue and to expand my research projects with my students here at CSUB," Dr. Lauer said. "It feels good to be recognized because success in academia requires hard work, diligence, creativity, life-long learning, dedication and good collaborations with students and faculty. Going the extra mile to obtain results that are useful for the scientific community and also the general public will pay off at the end.”
Staff awards were also handed out on University Day by Staff Forum. The Outstanding Staff Member of the Year award went to two recipients this year: Facilities Management Custodian Maria De La Mora and Moving Services and Events Custodian Jesus "Frank" Panameno in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
The Outstanding Team Award went to the Basic Needs Department, recognizing its ongoing efforts to support students in need through the Food Pantry, Edible Garden, campus housing and other initiatives.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award, especially from among so many deserving departments across campus,” said Basic Needs Director Dr. Jason Watkins. “I’d like to think my amazing team for all their hard work, creativity and dedication to serving students. I feel so lucky to work alongside them. I also want to think the campus community. Basic needs takes the work of a village, and we are incredibly grateful for all the support we get from our staff and faculty.”
© 2026 California State University, Bakersfield
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