Wendy Palmquist received PSU’s most prestigious honor for faculty, the Distinguished Teaching Award, for her dedication to teaching, scholarship and meaningful, student-centered education during her 25 years of service to the University. Palmquist is professor of psychology and co-director of the Frost Faculty Center.

Palmquist officially received the award at the 2006 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony on May 20. Provost Virginia Barry praised Palmquist for her “broad, extensive knowledge of higher education … qualities of fairness, tolerance and compassion” and devotion to promoting critical thinking as the “cornerstone of a Plymouth State University education.”

Palmquist says, “I am honored to be chosen for this award. I have learned so much from the colleagues who have won this award before me, and my other colleagues and students in my 25 years here at Plymouth State.”

Also in spring 2006, Palmquist received the 2006 Theo Kalikow Award, presented annually to a PSU faculty or staff member who has significantly contributed to the welfare of women on campus. Palmquist is a founder of the university’s women’s studies program, a supporter of Title IX sports programs for women and a professor whose excellence in the classroom has been recognized by students and colleagues. She has also been an advocate for women and men on campus through the Safe Zone Program, which promotes awareness and non-judgmental treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.