Julie Powell, applications programmer for the College of Veterinary Medicine, earned high praise from the State University of New York (SUNY) for her work innovating new programs for the college and veterinary medicine at large.

The Faculty and Advisory Council in Teaching and Technology (FACT2) awarded Powell the 2018 Excellence in Instructional Support Award. The honor acknowledges consistently superior professional achievement in advancing the use of technology in the teaching and learning process.

“We would not be the college that we are without the things Julie has created for us,” said Nita Irby, Ruttenberg Senior Lecturer and large animal ophthalmologist.

Powell’s long list of achievements include developing programs used by both the college community and veterinarians worldwide. She has developed the college’s learning management system, a powerful electronic testing system, and many innovative computer learning resources. Powell programmed and maintains over 22 custom computer applications that support the student experience from the time they apply to veterinary college through graduation.

“I love being able to streamline business practices for students and create online systems that help facilitate communication and simplify business processes for our college,” said Powell. “I am humbled and overwhelmed at the nomination and the support that I have from the faculty here.”

“Many of her innovations have found their way into the classroom and onto the screens of students and faculty to enhance their teaching and learning experience and bring excitement to the many challenges of learning, retaining and applying veterinary medical concepts and methodologies,” said Jodi Korich DVM ’97, associate dean for education.

“She has worked very hard to truly understand the needs of the veterinary curriculum and makes meaningful contributions to these projects that extend beyond the programming,” said Marnie FitzMaurice, director of veterinary curriculum.

The college has been part of the state system since its establishment in 1894, and FACT2 has acted as an advisory body to the SUNY provost for over twenty years. Powell will attend the SUNY Conference on Instruction and Technology in May to accept the award and present to attendees on the evolving role of technology, specifically the role of programmers in teaching and education, at the university level.

“Enthusiasm for teaching goes hand-in-hand with students learning,” said Powell. “Through the use of technology, we have a responsibility to ensure that teaching – as research – remains an integral part of our campuses.”

By Melanie Greaver Cordova