Dr. Wendy-lou Greenidge, assistant professor of counselor education, received the University of South Florida Polytechnic's Spring 2009 Outstanding Faculty Award. She promptly shared the acclaim with those she said made it possible.

Presented by the Student Government Association, the award is the highest campus-level honor for USF Polytechnic faculty members. It recognizes exceptional accomplishments, leadership and service to the USF Polytechnic campus and community.

"We recognize our faculty for their dedication to our students," says Brandon Pickard, SGA president. "This award is one way for the students to honor their professors. The SGA congratulates Dr. Greenidge for her hard work and devotion."

Dr. Kim Lersch, interim assistant vice president for academic and student affairs, says, "USFP is fortunate to have Dr. Greenidge as part of our faculty.  She is an absolutely outstanding faculty member in all areas-teaching, research, and service.  That this honor has come so early in her career says a great deal.  We are thrilled with her success."

When nominating Dr. Greenidge for the award, students praised her interactive, student-centered classes that foster active, independent learning.

"Dr. Greenidge takes a hands-on approach to teaching counseling," says student Heather Stambaugh. "Instead of just teaching us about counseling, she designs lesson plans that allow us to practice our skills and learn by doing.

"Her research interests are on the cutting edge of counselor education issues and are sure to bring prestige to not only USFP's counselor education program but also to USF as a research university."

According to counselor intern Angie Mudge, "Her style of educating is practical, innovative and creative. She not only provides an assortment of information and opportunities for students to participate in professional development but also helps students to understand how this fosters growth and success for them in the field of counseling."

Student Julie Stedem says, "Dr. Greenidge continues to be a professional in the truest sense of the word. Her knowledge of content, dedication and genuine concern is always evident, both in and out of the classroom. Her teaching style consists of hands-on learning through a variety of group and individual activities, including role playing, which is essential for learning excellent counseling techniques."

According to student Terry Jackson, "Dr. Greenidge made sure I learned skills that I would use in the real world. She gives all of herself to her teaching and clearly cares deeply for her students. She is a woman of sterling character."   

Speaking of the award's significance, Greenidge says, "I am deeply honored to receive the Outstanding Faculty Award and would like to share this recognition with my students -- an amazing group of graduate students who all motivate me to always deliver nothing less than my absolute best. I hold my students with the highest regard and always strive to challenge, motivate and inspire them to soar above expectations. This award is especially humbling as it a resounding affirmation from my students of my commitment to this institution, to the field of counseling and to the Counselor Education Program.

"I must thank the SGA for providing these wonderful avenues which empower our students to use their voices. 

"I also share this award with my family, mentors and colleagues who walk this journey with me and enrich my experiences in so many ways. I can only hope that my local, national and international research, teaching and service activities will continue to promote student learning experiences which are both lasting and pervasive. "

Greenidge joined USFP in 2007. She started the first USFP chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for professional counselors, counselor educators and students. A native of St. Lucia in the Caribbean islands, she received her Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida.