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Biology professor awarded for dedication to mentoring fellow faculty
May 11, 2023 : By Office of Communications & Public Engagement
In recognition of his work in Liberty University’s Koinonia New Faculty Mentoring program, Department of Biology & Chemistry professor Dr. Gary Isaacs was awarded the 2023 Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Director’s Award for Excellence in New Faculty Mentoring last week. The award recognizes Liberty faculty who have gone above and beyond to mentor new faculty members for a period of five or more years.
For over a dozen years, the Koinonia program has paired new Liberty faculty members with those who have been at Liberty for several years. The mentors teach the newcomers more about the school and its mission and help them meet others outside of their own department. The program invites up to 20 faculty members each year. The word “koinonia” is of Greek origin and is used mainly to refer to Christian fellowship, which is exactly what CTE Director Dr. Shawn M. Bielicki said he wants for this program .
“It helps them assimilate to our university’s unique culture and things that help them be the best they can be,” Bielicki said. “We try to provide an environment that’s rich in constructive influence, and hopefully that results in an increase in collegiate interest and peer investment.”
The program is modeled after the biblical example of mentorship done by Elijah.
“Elijah was able to pour into Elisha in such a way that Elisha got (twice the blessings) of Elijah, and we are hoping that our faculty members are able to do that for their peers.”
The award was presented to Isaacs by Bielicki and School of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Heidi DiFrancesca during the year-end Koinonia New Faculty Mentoring meeting on May 5.
“Dr. Isaacs doesn’t limit our mission of Training Champions for Christ to our students; with a servant’s heart, he also pours into our new faculty,” Bielicki said. “We are grateful for all that he does.”
Previous award recipients include Dr. John Vadnal, School of Engineering; Dr. Bruce Bell, College Arts & Sciences; and Dr. Nancy Richardson, Biology & Chemistry.
