4 ASU Faculty Members Recieve Excellence Award


Four Appalachian State University faculty members in the Walker College of Business have received the college’s 2012 Sywassink Award for Excellence. Dr. Jim Westerman received the award for teaching. Westerman is a professor in the Department of Management, where he teaches courses in organizational behavior, human resource management, business ethics, leadership and motivation, compensation and strategic management.  Dr. Mike Dotson was honored for his research contributions. Dotson is a professor in the Department of Marketing. Dotson’s research interests include marketing analysis, retail, advertising, consumer preference, the hospitality industry and the nursing sector.  The award for excellence in service was presented to Dr. Karen Epermanis. Epermanis joined the Walker College of Business faculty in 2006.  Prior to teaching at Appalachian, Epermanis was an assistant professor at the University of Mississippi and the University of Hartford and previously worked in the risk management field as a director and manager for large corporate entities. Dr. Tom Will was honored as the outstanding non-tenure track faculty member. Will, is a lecturer in the Department of Management and serves as the entrepreneur in residence for the Walker College of Business. The awards are presented annually during the Sywassink Day of Excellence. Winners receive a monetary prize and a bronze medallion of the university seal. The awards are made possible by a contribution from G.A. Sywassink, CEO of Standard Holding Company.