Professor honored for her service, commitment to students
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Dr. Lisa DeChano-Cook, a dedicated professor and mentor at Western Michigan University, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award during the Fall Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 11.
“Dr. DeChano-Cook embodies the true spirit of dedication and service to our students,” says Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Her tireless commitment to their success, both academically and personally, sets her apart as a leader who genuinely cares about every student she mentors. She goes above and beyond in her roles, providing not just guidance but also personalized support that empowers students to reach their full potential. She has proven to be a resource for staff and faculty and a strong advocate for Western. It is a privilege to work alongside someone whose impact resonates so profoundly within our community."
Joining WMU in 2001, DeChano-Cook earned her Ph.D. from Texas State University-San Marcos. As a professor of geography, she specializes in environmental geography, with a focus on natural disasters, risk management and environmental impact assessment.
Beyond the classroom, DeChano-Cook has made significant contributions in various roles, including WMU curriculum manager, academic advisor, moderator of the Geography Bowl for International Education, advisor of the Geography Club and Gamma Theta Upsilon geography honor society, and member of Western's Climate Change Working Group. Her extensive involvement reflects her deep commitment to the University and its students.
“Dr. DeChano-Cook is very highly invested in our students, both at the undergraduate and graduate level,” writes Dr. Lucius F. Hallett IV, associate professor in the School of the Environment, Geography and Sustainability. “She represents exactly what Western Michigan University wants in its faculty. She has passion and commitment toward student excellence and, by extension, our excellence.”
Her dedication extends to future Broncos, particularly through her work with transfer students from Muskegon Community College (MCC). Diana Casey, a geography instructor at MCC, highlights DeChano-Cook's support in building programs at both institutions.
“Dr. DeChano-Cook gives her time, skills, teaching and learning abilities to all—students, colleagues and institutions. She supports academics at community colleges, such as MCC, to facilitate a positive transfer,” Casey writes. “Lisa’s work supports collegiate learning and transfer without students losing credits in the process. Dr. Lisa DeChano-Cook is a treasure for both Western Michigan University and Muskegon Community College.”
Student Addi Sorensen echoes this sentiment, noting DeChano-Cook's unwavering commitment to students. “Dr. DeChano-Cook has supported me throughout my academic career and always saw potential in me that I did not always recognize. Through the opportunities she has given me, I have thrived during my time at the University.” Sorensen says her success, including her award-winning research presentation at the East Lakes Division of the American Association of Geographers, was made possible through DeChano-Cook's innovative programs and mentorship.
In addition to DeChano-Cook, other prestigious awards will be presented at the Fall Awards Celebration, including the Distinguished Faculty Scholar, Emerging Scholar, Distinguished Teaching, Excellence in Diversity and Make a Difference awards. The event begins at 11 a.m. in the Kirsch Auditorium of the Fetzer Center.
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