Mindi Barta and Sarah Slater Receive 2023 President’s Award

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University and its president, Dr. Joseph Womack, honored two outstanding individuals during the Commencement this past weekend, one from its staff and one from its faculty, for their exceptional dedication, achievements, and contributions to the university community. 

Nominated by faculty, staff, and students, Mindi Barta, Assistant Professor of Counseling, was awarded the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership, while Sarah Slater, Senior Director of Enrollment Services, received the President’s Award for Exemplary Staff Performance and Campus Leadership. 

“These awards are presented each year to honor not only an excellent professor and staff member but also to those who model the kind of leadership & service we strive to teach our students,” said Dr. Womack. “This year’s recipient for Teaching Excellence, Mindi Barta, strives to be present and engaged with her students, consistently greeting them with compassion and grace, while offering her availability, empathy, expertise, and professionalism in her teaching. Sarah Slater, Exemplary Staff Award recipient, is a faith-driven, encouraging, and positive leader who maximizes her team’s strengths serves as a great coworker, advocates for students, and recognizes the potential of those around her.” 

Both Slater and Barta are integral to the campus community. Barta’s role is essential in cultivating an immersive academic experience by equipping future mental health counselors with the necessary skills to integrate evidence-based interventions and techniques, promoting client wellness and nurturing relationships. Slater provides comprehensive leadership in enrollment services, overseeing academic advising, the registrar’s office, and department staff, diligently ensuring a seamless and streamlined enrollment experience for prospective and current students.

About Bushnell University

Founded in 1895, Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.

Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant University District. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.