Published on May 6, 2016 by Sean Flynt  
Berry, Gregory and Hynds were honored May 3
Berry, Gregory and Hynds were honored May 3

Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences presented its annual faculty awards May 3. Psychology professor Jack Berry won the Dean’s Award for Research. Chemistry and biochemistry professor Denise Gregory won the Dean’s Award for Teaching. Mathematics and computer science department chair Emily Hynds won the Arts and Sciences Teaching Award.

Much of Berry’s research has focused on forgiveness, moral identity, altruistic personality traits and other areas in the field of positive psychology (the study of human strengths and virtues). In addition to his research and teaching, he is an active consultant, providing expertise to researchers in a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Hynds teaches students at all levels in a wide variety of topics within college mathematics and has worked alongside them on several undergraduate research projects. She also serves as Samford’s faculty representative to the NCAA. Her areas of interest lie in combinatorics and specifically graph theory.

In addition to her teaching and research on bioremediation of pharmaceutical drugs found in wastewater, Gregory, serves as Samford’s Director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives. She leads Samford’s annual Minority Youth Science Academy and STEM Girls Rock summit. In 2015, Gregory was among 10 “Women of Distinction” honored by Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama for contributions to their community and for their exemplary role models for girls.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.