Leading by Example

Dr. Goff named Darden College of Education and Professional Studies 2022 Human Movement Science Fellow
February 24, 2022

Six Alumni from across the Darden College were honored for their significant contributions to their fields and distinguishing themselves in their professions. Darden Fellows stand out for their drive, compassion, dedication, and innovation in their professions. Their efforts since graduating have left a mark and they serve as models for current students following in their footsteps.

Selected from a pool of more than 41,000 Darden College Alumni, these individuals were chosen by faculty from each of the College’s departments who they felt exemplified service and excellence in their communities and beyond.

Dr. Tammi Dice, Interim Dean of the College shared “Congratulations, Dr. Goff! You and I go way back to our fun days running CARE Now and it is incredibly rewarding to see all the amazing things you’ve accomplished since then, especially with the impact you and your organization are making to enhance literacy in our community.” Joined by Dr. Eddie Hill and Mrs. Betsy Kennedy from her program, along with Dr. Lynn Ridinger, Dr. Laura Hill, Dr. Xihe Zhu, and Dr. Lamar Reams from the department, and Dr. Mindy Gumpert from REACH’s board of directors, Jennifer graciously accepted her award and shared brief thank you speech.

During her speech, Dr. Goff shared she would not be where she was today if it was not for the College and its educators. “The educators in this room prepared me to become the positive disrupter I am today” Dr. Goff shared. Jennifer especially thanked her Dissertation Chair, Dr. Eddie Hill and Interim Dean, Dr. Tammi Dice for their support, leadership, and positive impact “You have prepared me to take on challenges that others dare not too. You not only educated and guided me during my time at ODU, but more importantly, instilled the confidence in me to no longer follow status quo— you have empowered me to no longer try and fix a broken system, but build a new, more equitable one.”

Other honoree’s from the College were Dr. Ann Maydosz from the Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education, Allen “Duffy” Samuels from the Counseling and Human Services Department, Dr. Corey McCray from the Educational Foundations and Leadership Department, Dr. Janice Underwood from the Teach and Learning Department, & Dr. Nickolaos Karvounis from the STEM Education and Professional Studies.