OXFORD, Miss. – Each day at the University of
Mississippi, students are impacted by words and
actions of many faculty and staff who know their
work extends beyond classrooms, labs and offices.
For the 14th year, two UM members who personify
such extraordinary service have been selected for
special recognition. Aileen Ajootian, chair and
associate professor of classics and art, and Marc
Showalter, director of the University Counseling
Center and assistant professor of education, are
recipients of the 2008 Frist Student Service
Awards.
“Ole Miss is a service-oriented, loving community,”
Chancellor Robert Khayat said. “To be recognized by
students, faculty and staff as a leader in service
affirms the extraordinary level of commitment of
the Frist recipients.”
The awards, one for faculty and one for staff, were
established with a gift from the late Dr. Thomas F.
Frist Sr. of Nashville, a 1930 UM graduate.
Ajootian and Showalter were selected by a
chancellor’s committee of faculty, staff and
students assessing nominations. They each receive
$1,000 and a plaque and are to be recognized
Saturday (May 10) at the university’s commencement
ceremony.
Nomination letters for the award cite specific
examples of how members have gone the extra mile
for students. A former student nominating Ajootian
wrote about how she encouraged him: “I can remember
feeling hopeless, but Dr. Ajootian gave me hope.
“She created numerous tutoring sessions for her
students besides the time that she would spend
helping students during her office hours,” he
continued.
The same theme of selflessness was reflected in
letters of nomination for Showalter. A student
wrote: “(Dr. Showalter’s) life has been dedicated
to serving others on this campus, often putting his
personal life on hold. His character is such that
he always puts students first.”
A graduate instructors nomination for Showalter
read: “As I near the completion of my own graduate
work …, I know that one of the best memories I
will take with me is that of Dr. Marc Showalter and
his tireless and selfless efforts to help students
as they pursue their goals in higher education.”
Showalter said he was overwhelmed by the honor.
“I’m surprised and touched to be selected, and I am
blown away by the kindness and compassion of the
members of this community,” he said. “While I do
feel unworthy of this, I am thrilled to be listed
among those who have been given this award. I can
think of no greater compliment from my colleagues
and students.”
Ajootian also expressed surprise.
“Receiving this award was a complete shock,” she
said. “But it is such a great honor. It makes me
want to continue doing what I have been doing. I
love working in an environment what I can continue
to learn and share my excitement for learning with
my students.”
A native of Long Island, N.Y., Ajootian joined the
UM faculty in 1996. She holds master’s degrees from
Bryn Mawr College and the University of Oregon. She
earned her doctorate in classical archaeology from
Bryn Mawr. She is a member of the Archaeological
Institute of America and of the College Arts
Association. Her fieldwork in archaeology includes
research in Athens and ancient Corinth in Greece.
Showalter, a licensed professional counselor,
completed his doctorate in education at UM in 1994
and was named manager of professional services. He
holds a master’s degree from the University of
Central Arkansas and bachelor’s from Harding
University. He is Reality Therapy Certified through
the Institute for Reality Therapy.