Clark Coffman, associate professor in genetics, development and cell biology, is the 2019 recipient of the Iowa State University Division of Student Affairs Thomas B. Thielen Award.

“This award was a complete surprise," Coffman said. "It is very humbling to receive it." Coffman was nominated for the award by a colleague for his work with The Sky is the Limit learning community for open option students; his involvement with the McNair Scholars Program; and several collaborative research projects investigating the impacts of various interventions on student success and retention, both inside and outside of the classroom.

The award is presented annually to an outstanding faculty or staff member outside the Division of Student Affairs who has been a strong supporter of student success. First awarded in 1998, the award is named for the man who served as ISU’s Vice President for Student Affairs from 1977-1997.