Professor wins 2020 faculty excellence award
September 30, 2020
With nearly 20 years of experience at her home institution, Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay is adamant that her career is not just about teaching but it is also about guiding and preparing her students to excel in their career fields. It is because of such passion and zeal for young minds that the professor earned one of Delaware State University’s 2020 Faculty Excellence Awards.
As a NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center and Delaware State University faculty member, Dr. Ozbay may carry a full load but she seems to effortlessly manage it all. Presently she teaches three courses, including environmental toxicology, climatology and introduction to environmental science, in addition to serving as chair of her university’s Honors Council. Although Dr. Ozbay’s teaching and lecturing is impactful and commendable, it is the distinguished professor’s commitments outside of the classroom that have caused her to gain recognition from her university. Since 2012, Dr. Ozbay has advised and mentored nearly 400 students and put them on track for collegiate and career success.
“I have enjoyed spending time guiding and advising both undergraduate and graduate students,” stated Dr. Ozbay. “The workshops and conference meetings that I have facilitated and the courses that I have developed are primarily a means to better prepare students for their careers.”
The Delaware State University Faculty Excellence Awards is an annual honor that is announced during the spring semester. Every year, faculty members are nominated by their colleagues to receive an award in the categories of teaching, research/creative activity, University/community service and advising. Upon receiving the nominations, a designated committee then reviews the nominees and selects the recipients to receive the awards. This year, Dr. Ozbay was recognized for Excellence in Advising; however, this isn’t her first time being awarded for her stellar performance. In 2018, the natural resources professor earned the school’s Excellence in University/Community Service award.
When asked what she considers the most rewarding part of her job, Dr. Ozbay, is quick to reply with two simple words –“the students.”
“When my students first start their collegiate career, they are only half full,” noted the senior STEM professor. “In the beginning they are unsure and a bit nervous about their futures; however, upon graduation, you can see how they’ve grown and are full of self-confidence and assurance. The greatest moment, for me, is when they go from being my students to becoming my respected colleagues. It is then when I get my greatest reward.”
