FROSTBURG- The Children’s Literature Centre (CLC) director and associate professor Dr. Sarah O’Neal of Frostburg State University has been chosen to receive the President’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 2024. With this award, a faculty member is honored for their outstanding contributions to the University’s mission, goals, and strategic planning activities.
Professor Jodi Eirich of FSU’s Department of Educational Professions said of Dr. O’Neal, “He is an outstanding faculty member who embodies the highest standards of teaching, professional development, and service, with a commitment to excellence.”
“I have no doubt that her ongoing contributions will improve our university and motivate not just the faculty but also the next generation of academics.” As part of her work at the CLC, O’Neal and her team have planned a number of yearly community celebrations, such as the Spring Festival of Children’s Literature, Storybook Holiday, Harry Potter Night, and Pirates Ahoy.
Overseeing middle school camp
In order to foster a love of reading that lasts a lifetime, the CLC also works with nearby schools to support the Adopt-A-School initiative.
The CLC has been able to increase its outreach efforts since moving to FSU’s new Education and Health Sciences Center. It has hosted campus visits for young visitors, incoming Bobcats, Leadership Allegany, and Leadership Allegany Rising, all of which give the CLC and the University a chance to be highlighted.
O’Neal also oversees the middle school camp F2T2, is the faculty advisor for the Frostburg Student Education Association, and chairs the Department of Educational Professions’ recruitment and retention committee.
She is the president of the Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa and a member of the Frostburg First board of directors for the City of Frostburg in addition to her roles at FSU.
On behalf of the CLC, O’Neal accepted Allegany County’s first-ever Positive People award in May. “It was amazing that the FSU CLC and the work we perform were acknowledged for the goodness we impart to others.
At the core of all we do is our commitment to keep igniting the enthusiasm for lifelong reading. The fact that this award included a mention of the kid-focused activities we organize confirmed that the CLC is a true leader in child outreach.