Longtime CSU adjunct professor Deryl Gulliford will be awarded the 2013 Distinguished Faculty of the Year Award at the CSU Commencement Ceremony on Oct. 25 in Orange Beach, Ala.
Gulliford, who has taught for about 32 years, was “truly honored” when he heard he won the award, which is determined by nominations from active CSU students.
“CSU has been an important part of my life for many years now, and it feels great to have that time and effort recognized,” the Ohio native added. He currently resides in Hennessey, Okla., where he is CEO of Northwest Oklahoma Healthcare Consortium and state director of the American Academy of Medical Administrators.
As a CSU professor, Gulliford now teaches health care administration courses. He has been with CSU “since before it was even Columbia Southern University” as he was on the faculty of the University of Environmental Sciences, which became CSU in 1993.
“When I worked with Dr. Mayes, Sr. to develop the health care administration program many years ago, our motivation was simple. We wanted to provide a way for practicing health care professionals to obtain knowledge and skills needed to advance in their health care facilities,” he explained. “We wanted to provide that opportunity without making them leave their jobs and responsibilities. That is still what motivates me. I see people making better lives for themselves and their families through CSU. Meanwhile, they are making better hospitals, clinics and other medical services for their communities.”
This explains why his teaching method fits the CSU model so well.
“I try to be career-focused in working with my students, sharing practical aspects of healthcare and leadership which will help them to succeed. I feel that students are much more motivated when they can see direct connections between their learning and their career paths,” Gulliford said.
“I do the job every day that my students aspire to reach after graduation. So, I know firsthand what will make them successful in this field.”
Brina Hollis, program director for CSU’s health care administration program, praised Gulliford’s dedication to his work.
“I have seen Deryl consistently go above and beyond to help a student master course concepts,” she said. “Deryl has also lent his knowledge and expertise to students in educating them about career opportunities or help them make choices regarding various career paths. I have received verbal comments from former students that Deryl’s teaching is refreshing.”
Gulliford holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a master’s in health care from the University of Cincinnati. He is a past William Newcomer Healthcare Executive of the Year for the U.S. and his business was listed in the “Top 100 Hospitals in America” by Modern Healthcare magazine.
As a business leader and a teacher, he said he truly enjoys seeing people succeed.
“In the hospital that means seeing patients get well and stay well. It also means seeing staff members advance their skills and qualifications, becoming more valuable in the process. At CSU, it means seeing students graduate, advance in their careers, and perhaps, even reaching the CEO level themselves.”
Congratulations, Deryl. I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more than you!
I can personally attest that he still continues to go above and beyond for students.