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By Sarah Waller

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Jonathan Davis, associate professor in ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ's family studies department, has been named a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award by the National Council on Family Relations. He received the award in October at NCFR's national convention.

Presented to no more than five professionals each year, this nationally-recognized award reflects Davis' service to NCFR and his dedication to student research.

The new school year marks Davis' 10th year teaching at ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ, and during his tenure he has served as an active member of NCFR and the advisor for ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ's student affiliate SUNcfr.

Each year, Davis assists family studies majors as they present their research at the ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ Showcase where many are nominated to represent ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ at the national NCFR research competition. In the past ten years, two ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ students have won the Undergraduate Research Award.

Davis said he is a firm believer that every student, whether they continue on to graduate school or not, benefits from doing research. ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ's family studies department requires that all students take part in its research curriculum, a program that includes three courses that span 18 months.

"It is an important process because it gives students confidence," Davis says. "They know they have accomplished something that is a significant challenge."

Though the Meritorious Service Award celebrates his last 10 years of service, Davis says he feels too young to receive such a prestigious award. "I have only been in the field for ten years. I have a ways to go," he said. "But the award is a nice affirmation for the work that happens at ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ, which is focused on teaching and service."

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Sarah Waller is a journalism and mass communication major and a writer in the Office of Marketing and Communication.