In recognition of her outstanding contributions at Indiana University and in communities around the world, Priscilla Barnes, Ph.D. is this year's recipient of the Mary Burgan Distinguished Service Award. Presented annually to "a faculty member or librarian for distinguished service to the university, a profession, a discipline, or the public," the award—one of two Distinguished Service Awards recently bestowed by the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs—"is intended to recognize service in the same way that other awards recognize distinguished teaching or research."
collaboration with universities in Kenya
Barnes, an associate professor in the Department of Applied Health Science, is a key contributor to multiple initiatives by the IU Center for Rural Engagement, working directly with communities throughout southern Indiana to develop Community Health Improvement Programs (CHIPs). Among other exceptional contributions, Barnes led several educational tours of Reykjavik, Iceland for students in the School of Public Health-Bloomington (SPH-B) to explore local initiatives directly connected to public health.
"These awards honor faculty who go above and beyond in service to their campus, disciplines and communities," Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty said in a recent announcement. She added that Barnes' contributions include "pioneering community-engaged research addressing rural health disparities…and impactful initiatives like Healthy Rural Indiana 2025."
The Mary Burgan Distinguished Service Award was established in 1986 in honor of IU English professor and administrator Mary Burgan and includes a one-time cash award of $5,000. Barnes will also be honored at an awards reception in fall 2025—and by virtue of receiving the award, she will be considered for the W. George Pinnell Award for Outstanding Service, named in honor of the former executive vice president of Indiana University who "was known for his stewardship, leadership, initiative, and service."
For more inspiring stories about SPH-B students, faculty, and staff, visit go.iu.edu/48bx.