Watson to receive 2016 Educator of the Year Award in gerontology

The Ohio Association of Gerontology Education (OAGE) will honor Dr. Wendy Watson as “Educator of the Year” tomorrow (April 15) at its 40th annual conference at Youngstown State University.

Watson, an associate professor of gerontology, is the coordinator of the undergraduate and graduate programs in gerontology at BGSU. She also serves as the primary graduate faculty adviser and provides mentoring and guidance regarding courses, theses, and other graduate-level projects.

According to the association, Watson’s “passion for education, along with the innovative teaching techniques she uses to foster student engagement and motivate students to achieve high academic standards, should be commended.”

“I am so pleased to learn that Dr. Watson is receiving this award,” said Dr. Marie Huff, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. “She is very student-centered and she consistently receives high praise from her students and advisees.”

The competitively selected award recognizes individuals in Ohio’s educational institutions at any level and/or from Ohio’s aging network who have either used educational programs to improve services to older adults in Ohio or advanced gerontological education and training for students and practitioners.

OAGE is an association of educators, researchers, professionals and students in Ohio dedicated to gerontological education, research and practice. It promotes gerontological education, supports Ohio’s aging network as a resource for research and practice, and provides professional development for students, faculty and professionals.