Celebrating Scholarship | Eastern NC Now

 Publisher's note: The author of this post, Kathryn Kennedy, is a contributor to ECU News Services.

Laupus Library marks 10 years of honoring health sciences authors

 East Carolina University's Laupus Library marked a decade of honoring research and scholarship from across the Division of Health Sciences' colleges and schools at a Nov. 10 event.

 The annual Health Sciences Author Recognition Awards celebrates the achievements of faculty and staff who have published peer-reviewed works in the last year. Nearly 100 authors were recognized Tuesday night for their books, book chapters, journal articles and other creative works.

 "I can tell you the pride I have because I have the undeserved privilege of working with you all," Dr. Phyllis Horns, vice chancellor for health sciences, told attendees. "We lead this institution in our research and scholarship...and we should not take that lightly. It's a huge responsibility."

 The Department of Nutrition was well represented at the event, with four of their faculty members publishing books in the past year — its first as part of ECU's Division of Health Sciences.

 "If it's not published, it doesn't exist," said Dr. Virginia Carraway-Stage, assistant professor in nutrition. "(Research) has got to be out there for people to read it and use it...for people to build on it."

 "We're a strong, cohesive department and we have a lot to bring to the table," she added when asked about her department's new home in the College of Allied Health Sciences. "We're ready to work and begin collaborating."

 Eleven individuals from across the division were recognized for book publishing. Each received the Laupus Bronze Medallion.

 Dr. Bob Lust, interim associate dean for research and graduate studies at the Brody School of Medicine, lauded those who find time among their myriad duties to publish articles and creative works. It takes resilience to "wrestle with reviewers," he noted.

 "It's always a special occasion to recognize our scholars," said Dr. Sylvia Brown, dean of the College of Nursing. "Your work is really important to advancing the mission of our university — a research mission."

 She added that the work of her faculty and those in other departments also advances knowledge that will improve the quality of care for patients — a worthy goal.

 The annual recognition ceremony is sponsored primarily by the Friends of Laupus Library, and Chair Dr. John Papalas urged people to get more involved with their health sciences library.

 "If you're not a membership person...just visit Laupus," he said. "It's an amazing facility, there are great people working there and there are so many interesting exhibits going on."

 Registration for the ceremony begins anew each year in February.

 The Division of Health Sciences encompasses the Brody School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, College of Allied Health Sciences, College of Nursing and the William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library.


Vice Chancellor Phyllis Horns, right, congratulates Megan Inman of Laupus Library during an event honoring health sciences authors. (Photos by Gretchen Baugh)