Many University of Memphis faculty and staff won prestigious rewards for work in their chosen fields. Five faculty members won the 2005 Suzanne Downs Palmer Professorship: David Allen, Pankaj Jain, Ernest Nichols, Marla Stafford and Daniel Sherrell.
The awards will help them continue their research as well as help with their teaching.
"I am pleased and honored that I was selected," said Stafford, a professor and interim chair for supply chain management department. "It means I have made a positive impact of some sort to the department," she said.
Stafford, as well as Jain and Allen, were awarded for their research efforts. Nichols and Sherrell both received the professorship because of service.
Jain won for his research on philosophy in stock market trading.
"The incentives are highly motivating and stimulate the faculty to continue putting in their best efforts to secure a place for our college in the league of top research institutions in the world at the same time as we serve the local community," Jain said.
Nichols is a professor and director of the FedEx Center for supply chain management. He won for service.
"I feel honored and grateful to get the award," Nichols said. "My contribution is being the director of the supply chain management."
He has been director since 1996.
Sherrell won for work on several committees that were working to improve Fogelman.
"I am honored to be recognized by my colleagues in the Fogelman College of Business & Economics for any contributions I have made to the progress of the College," he said.
Allen also won the award in 2002.
"I have distinction of being the only recipient of getting the award twice," he said.
His research concerned turnover and recruitment while Stafford's research was about advertising.
Dan Palmer, a nationally recognized businessperson, established the Palmer award in 2002.
In addition, the award was named and dedicated after his late wife.
Some students feel like professors should be recognized for their efforts more often. Senior English major James Weakley is one such student.
"I believe there should be a day where good professors should get recognized."
Amelia Akpotu, a senior computer tech engineering major, agreed.
"I think it is a good idea so long as they are using the money good things for the classroom and for what's important," she said.
She said she thinks that ultimately the professorship funds should be reflected in the classroom.
"The money should be integrated to improve the lives of students," Akpotu said.
Weakley also feels that students enjoy seeing their favorite professors are acknowledged.
""If they deserve the award we should celebrate it," he said. "We appreciate our professors more."
Though honored by the award, Stafford said her greatest accomplishment happens inside the classroom.
"My greatest contribution is helping students help themselves in their future careers," she said.
"The award allows me to further my research so I can integrate it into my courses."
