For his ongoing commitment to developing a additional equitable and inclusive society for all, West Virginia University College of Public Well being 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 Applications in Well being Administration.
Established in 2021, AUPHA’s Teaching Excellence Awards seek to recognize faculty from AUPHA member applications who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments at the undergraduate, masters or doctoral level.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to get this national award from AUPHA,” Liu stated. “It is a humbling practical experience to be recognized for anything that I am so passionate about and to which I am deeply committed.”
Liu stated his efforts at the national level with AUPH reflect his targets and vision for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), belonging and social justice efforts at the College of Public Well being and all through the wider university neighborhood.
“As the DEI committee chair at the College of Public Well being, I am committed to developing a additional inclusive and equitable atmosphere for all faculty, employees, and students,” he stated. “Through my operate with AUPHA, I have had the chance to collaborate with colleagues from diverse institutions and backgrounds, discover about sensible practices in DEI, and bring back new suggestions and techniques to the College of Public Well being.”
In addition to assisting Liu create a additional diverse and inclusive curriculum and create new initiatives and applications, his involvement with AUPHA has broadened his point of view and deepened his understanding of DEI and social justice challenges.
“The mission of the WVU College of Public Well being is to ‘Improve the good quality of life for West Virginians and all who contact Appalachia residence,’” Erik Carlton, interim dean of College of Public Well being, stated. “Promoting equity and social justice in overall health and eliminating overall health disparities are etched into our core values as a college and profession.
We could not be additional thrilled that Dr. Liu is getting this recognition not only for the reason that of his national leadership with each AUPHA and ASPPH, but also and, maybe additional importantly, for the reason that of how he is top and impacting our operate right here in West Virginia.”
This award reinforces Liu’s commitment to advance the operate he’s began at WVU and his gratitude for these who have collaborated with him.
“I want to thank the choice 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 stated. “Teaching in diversity, equity, and inclusion has generally been a priority for me, and I am grateful for the chance to make a optimistic effect on the lives of my students and in the communities I serve.
“This award only strengthens my resolve to continue this vital operate and to build a additional equitable and inclusive society for all.”
-WVU-
nl/04/12/23
Speak to: Nikky Luna

Director, Communications and Marketing and advertising

WVU College of Public Well being

304-293-1699 nikky.luna@hsc.wvu.edu