West Virginia University health policy, management and leadership professor recognized with national award in teaching excellence
For his ongoing commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all, West Virginia University School of Public Health Professor Darren Liu has been recognized with a national teaching excellence award.
Liu is the recipient of the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Social Justice by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.
Established in 2021, AUPHA’s Teaching Excellence Awards seek to recognize faculty from AUPHA member programs who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments at the undergraduate, masters or doctoral level.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this national award from AUPHA,” Liu said. “It is a humbling experience to be recognized for something that I am so passionate about and to which I am deeply committed.”
Liu said his efforts at the national level with AUPHA reflect his goals and vision for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), belonging and social justice efforts at the School of Public Health and throughout the wider university community.
“As the DEI committee chair at the School of Public Health, I am committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all faculty, staff, and students,” he said. “Through my work with AUPHA, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from different institutions and backgrounds, learn about practical practices in DEI, and bring back new ideas and strategies to the School of Public Health.”
In addition to helping Liu build a more diverse and inclusive curriculum and develop new initiatives and programs, his involvement with AUPHA has broadened his perspective and deepened his understanding of DEI and social justice issues.
“The mission of the WVU School of Public Health is to ‘Improve the quality of life for West Virginians and all who call Appalachia home.' Promoting equity and social justice in health and eliminating health disparities are etched into our core values as a school and profession." –Erik Carlton, Co-Interim Dean, School of Public Health
“The mission of the WVU School of Public Health is to ‘Improve the quality of life for West Virginians and all who call Appalachia home,’” Erik Carlton, co-interim dean of School of Public Health, said. “Promoting equity and social justice in health and eliminating health disparities are etched into our core values as a school and profession.
"We could not be more thrilled that Dr. Liu is receiving this recognition not only because of his national leadership with both AUPHA and ASPPH, but also and, perhaps more importantly, because of how he is leading and impacting our work here in West Virginia.”
This award reinforces Liu’s commitment to advance the work he’s started at WVU and his gratitude for those who have collaborated with him.
“I want to thank the selection committee for this recognition, and I also want to express my appreciation to my colleagues and students who have supported and encouraged me on this journey,” he said. “Teaching in diversity, equity, and inclusion has always been a priority for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my students and in the communities I serve.
“This award only strengthens my resolve to continue this important work and to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.”
-WVU-
nl/04/12/23
CONTACT: Nikky Luna
Director, Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Public Health
304-293-1699; nikky.luna@hsc.wvu.edu