The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has announced Dr. Tracey Cekada, associate professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as the William E. Tarrants, Outstanding Safety Educator of the Year for her proven excellence in teaching, research and service in the school’s Department of Safety Sciences.

The award is named for Dr. William E. Tarrants, a pioneer in safety education who was also an ASSE President and Fellow. This award is among the Society’s highest honors.

According to Cekada’s peers, her influence is felt throughout the department. Cekada teaches a variety of courses at the undergraduate and master’s degree levels. At the doctorate level, she serves as a chair for the dissertation committees and a committee member on others.

Cekada’s teaching evaluations from students have consistently ranked at the top of the department between 97 and 98 percent of her students strongly agreeing or agreeing that she increases their knowledge and skills, encourages critical thinking, is willing to offer help, generates enthusiasm and interest in the subject and communicates clearly.

“I am honored to be selected to receive this award among such a great community of professionals and educators,” Cekada said. “I've always tried to live by the motto of treating others with grace, respect and integrity.  In my efforts of trying to have a positive influence on learning and lives, I hope I've created a passion for learning in others and enabled students to learn to make their own choices.”

Cekada will formally receive her award during ASSE’s Safety 2016, which runs June 27-29, 2016 in Atlanta. More than 4,000 occupational health and safety professionals are expected to attended the three-day professional development conference and exposition, aimed at offering the latest in products, trends, issues and challenges facing the industry.