BGSU professor recognized by the Mid-American Conference for dedication to student success

Dr. Carrie Hamady teaches, advises and helps students succeed by connecting with each and every one on a personal level

By Michael Bratton

When it comes to helping Bowling Green State University students succeed, perhaps no professor is more driven to make it happen than Dr. Carrie Hamady.

“I’m passionate about the future for our students, so I work to ensure they’re as prepared to enter into the workforce as possible," Hamady said.

Hamady, a clinical professor in the College of Health and Human Services, teaches dietetics and serves as director of the undergraduate dietetics program at BGSU. Along with teaching, she also advises first-year dietetics students, working to connect with each and every learner on a personal level.

“I want them all to be successful," Hamady said of her students. "There’s a lot of great ways to get an education at BGSU and to help students reach their goals."

Because of her dedication, Hamady was recently recognized by the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as one of 12 institutional winners of its Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success. The second annual award celebrates the commitment of MAC universities to provide a holistic student experience and create an environment that supports success in school and life.

“It’s very humbling," Hamady said of the award. "I just really enjoy helping students reach their full potential and seeing them succeed."

Based on the nature of the courses she teaches, Hamady regularly crosses paths with BGSU student-athletes. A former National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) athlete herself, Hamady said she consistently sees a drive to succeed from Falcon athletes during their time in the classroom and in the community.

“We are a public university for the public good, and I think our student-athletes really show that," Hamady said. "No matter where they are, they represent BGSU and show their character.”

Seeing first-hand the passion for student success, leaders in Hamady's department and college nominated her for this year's recognition.

“Dr. Hamady’s teaching is truly exceptional, and her work has a meaningful, lasting impact on students," said Dr. Jim Ciesla, dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

Ciesla said writing a letter of support for Hamady was easy thanks in part to her enduring commitment to advising, mentoring and teaching students from all backgrounds.

“She gets students to see beyond their own expectations and realize their full potential as learners and future professionals," Ciesla said. "Her success is our success, and we’re very proud of that.”

While Hamady wasn't selected as the overall MAC 2021 winner for Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success, she remains committed to ensuring every student succeeds during their time at BGSU.

“I’m just extremely grateful and humbled," Hamady said. "I can’t emphasize enough what a supportive environment BGSU provides for me and my students. The University is very student-centered, and that’s what I’ve really appreciated about teaching here."