Florida State University School of Communication Science & Disorders (SCSD) faculty member Susan Brosnan-Maddox was recently honored as a recipient of the 2013 Transformation Through Teaching Award.

Brosnan-Maddox was one of 17 Florida State faculty members selected for the award, which is sponsored by the Spiritual Life Project, Global Pathways Certificate and Exchanges, and Center for Global Engagement.

The Transformation Through Teaching Award program is in its third year and honors full-time faculty who have had “an intellectual, inspirational, and integrative impact on the lives of their students.”   They are nominated by students and chosen on the basis of their transformational role in their students’ academic life.

Valerie Grafe, a graduate student at SCSD, nominated Brosnan-Maddox for the award after receiving support from the clinical supervisor during a very trying time last winter.  Grafe found herself homeless and living out of her car for a week last January for reasons beyond her control.

“It was the scariest moment of my entire life and I had no idea how I would get through it, let alone explain it to someone else,” Grafe wrote in the nomination. “Mrs. Maddox, my clinical supervisor, was not only understanding, but compassionate and transformed my life during this trying time.”

During that week, Brosnan-Maddox worked tirelessly to ensure Grafe’s clients at the L.L. Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic were covered while the graduate student searched for a place to live.

“When I returned to the clinic, Mrs. Maddox welcomed me with open arms and reminded me just how strong I was to have made it through this,” Grafe wrote. “She assured me I would not let this experience define me – even when I doubted myself – and was instrumental in helping me rise above the most difficult situation I’ve experienced.”

Brosnan-Maddox’s positive outlook reassured Grafe she could forge ahead despite some hefty challenges.

“The only thing bigger than Mrs. Maddox’s smile is her heart; she was the anchor that kept me grounded when I felt like giving up on grad school and the constant reminder that I could and would get through it,” Grafe wrote. “She is not only a mentor who I can always count on to make my day better, but also an exemplary professor and clinical supervisor unlike any I’ve ever seen. It is an honor to know her and she is undoubtedly the most deserving person imaginable.”

“My role in Valerie’s education is being part of an amazing team of clinical supervisors with experiences that cover so many areas,” Brosnan-Maddox said. “Valerie was able to feel this support at most times, I just may have been the one to look her in the eye and remind her that this is her time and not to let anyone take it from her…including herself. She is a remarkable young woman who is going to be successful in her career and in life, but she was challenged and began to doubt it all. It is my honor to have a relationship with these young people and be a part of their beginnings.”