UA College of Human Environmental Sciences Presents Alumni Awards

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences presented the Jack Davis Professional Achievement Award to Tanya Berry Burnett, Scott Cole, Dr. Joan E. Cowdery, Ellyn Luros-Elson, Jessie McCollough, Emmett Loring Parker, Dr. Kathleen Stitt, Dr. Tsung-Hui Tu, Carol Keys, Brian Hass, and Laura J. Whiting during recent homecoming activities on campus.

The Jack Davis Professional Achievement Awards are presented annually to outstanding College of Human Environmental Sciences alumni for their professional accomplishments. Dr. Jack Davis, the first male graduate of the College, was a pioneer in emphasizing nutrition and dentistry.

Dr. Joan E. Cowdery

Cowdery, assistant professor of health education at Eastern Michigan University, was recognized for her career achievements in health education. She earned her doctorate in health education and health promotion from UA. She is the founder of The Academy for Sport Leadership in Ann Arbor, whose mission is to educate and attract young women to the coaching profession. Also, she is the author of numerous articles in research and national publications.

Ellyn Luros-Elson

Luros-Elson, of Chatsworth, Calif., was recognized for her career achievements in food and nutrition. She is the founder of Computrition, the world’s leading software provider for service, patient management and nutritional analysis systems. Repeatedly recognized by MinorityBusiness.com as a top 500 minority and/or woman-owned business, Computrition was also recently named one of the “Best Small Companies to Work For” by Working Mother magazine. Luros-Elson became the first woman ever to be honored with the International Food Service Executives Association’s “Industry of Excellence” for her significant contributions as an industry leader. An in-demand motivational speaker, Luros-Elson recently published the book “Live Like You Mean It”—a how-to for leadership and success. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UA in food and nutrition.

Jessie McCollough

McCollough of Atlanta, Ga., was recognized for her career achievements in fashion retailing. She is currently the regional merchandise manager for Macy’s Home Store in Atlanta.

Dr. Kathleen Stitt

Stitt, of Randolph, was recognized for her career achievements in dietetics. Now retired, Stitt taught for more than 25 years at UA, helping to develop one of the first coordinated undergraduate programs for dietetics in the southeastern United States. She has been heavily involved with the American Dietetic Association, serving on several of its national committees and building funds. Because of this, she was awarded the ADA Medallion Award, the highest award given by the organization. Stitt holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UA, and her doctorate from The Ohio State University.

Dr. Tsung-Hui Tu

Tu, an assistant professor of early childhood education and director of the early childhood education technology associate degree program at Kent State University, was recognized for her career achievements in human development and family studies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human development and family studies from UA, and a Master of Science and doctorate from Iowa State University. She is the author of numerous articles in research journals and national publications.

Tanya Berry Burnett

Burnett, an associate and lead designer for Gresham, Smith and Partners in Birmingham, was recognized for her career achievements in interior design. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UA in interior design. Her projects and clients include Charter Communications, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, and the new Nissan headquarters in Nashville, Tenn.

Scott Cole

Cole, founder of Cole Financial Planning in Birmingham, was recognized for his career achievements in financial planning. He currently serves as the financial expert for NBC-13’s “Today in Alabama” broadcast, and he has been quoted in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Investment News, Financial Advisor and the Birmingham Business Journal. In 2004 he received a master’s in financial planning from UA. Prior to that, he served as co-founder and associate pastor for Fellowship of the Valley in Birmingham.

Emmett Loring Parker

Parker, president of Accelerated Physical Therapy Inc. in Trussville, was recognized for his career achievements in athletic training. He holds a Bachelor of Science in sports medicine from UA. After serving in various positions in the athletic training field with organizations such as HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Baptist Health System Montclair, Parker began his current company in 2003 with a clinic in Trussville. It has now expanded to locations in Pelham and in the city of Birmingham.

Carol Keys

Keys, associate athletic director for business at The University of Alabama, was recognized for her career achievements in sports management. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from UA in sports management. Keys has been with the UA athletic department since 1987 and is responsible for preparing and balancing the department’s budget and oversight of finances for The Crimson Tide Foundation.

Brian Hass

Hass, regional training manager and revenue manager for Jameson Inn’s 120 properties, was recognized for his career achievements in restaurant and hospitality management. He also serves as general manager for the Jameson Inn in Tuscaloosa. Last year Hass received recognition from both CNN and CBS for outstanding service to victims of Hurricane Katrina. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UA in hotel and meetings management.

Laura J. Whiting

Whiting, help desk coordinator for the UA computer center, was recognized for her career achievements in interactive technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies and will receive her master’s degree in interactive technology from UA in December. For more than 20 years, Whiting has worked in computer technology for private companies and city governments including Santa Rosa, Calif., Orlando, Fla., and Greenville, S.C. She also refurbishes computers for non-profit organizations in the Tuscaloosa area.