Lee Advising Award Presented to Hurst and Rudy

Jennifer Hurst and Michael Rudy were recently named recipients of the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award at Truman.

The Lee Advising Award pays tribute to excellent advisers and demonstrates how important academic advising is at Truman. Recipients of the Lee Advising Award are nominated by students and colleagues and are ultimately selected by a committee.

Hurst, an associate professor of exercise science, began teaching at Truman in 2005. She teaches classes in sport psychology, sociology of sport, athletic training and research methods. She received her bachelor’s degree from Carthage College and her first master’s degree from the University of Illinois—Chicago. Hurst earned her second master’s degree and doctorate of education from West Virginia University. She serves as the chair of the Disability Studies Committee.

Rudy, an assistant professor of political science, began teaching at Truman in 2009. He teaches classes in American national government, international relations, methodology, comparative politics, senior seminar, political thought, peace and security, politics and war, and American foreign relations. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville and earned his master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. Rudy earned his Ph.D from the University of Missouri. He has been published in journals such as International Interactions, Conflict Management and Peace Science.

Dr. Jeanne Stephens Lee Blackmar established the award in honor of her late husband, who was president of the University’s Board of Governors during the 1970s. Two academic advisers are selected annually for the award, which includes a $1,000 development fund stipend to be used for advising conferences or institutes, research materials and other relevant items.