David Gould, educational support services coordinator/manager in the College of Education’s Belin-Blank Center, has been selected as a recipient of the 2019 David J. Skorton Award for Staff Excellence in Service.

The award is given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions and have shown exceptional imagination and dedication to improving the university community. UI Staff Council coordinates the award with the Office of the President. Awardees will be recognized at the Faculty and Staff Awards Celebration Oct. 16.

In a nomination letter, Laurie Croft, associate director of professional development, and Jan Warren, assistant director of student services at the Belin Blank Center, wrote, “David has dedicated countless hours to our university community in a variety of ways, and to our students, staff, and faculty. David’s university and community connections are endless, so many know him, or of him, for the inspirational work he does in the university community.”

Gould has worked at the Belin-Blank Honors Center since April, 2016 and has been part of the University of Iowa since 1989. In addition to creating programs that redefine learning models and content areas, Gould helped shape the Bucksbaum Early Entrance Academy.

Gould served as the Obermann Public Scholar from 2013-2016. He was the associate director of professional student development in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and developed a number of courses. Gould has won multiple teaching and staff awards, and is passionate about reimagining higher education and improving the lives of young people.

He most recently organized a series of public community discussions led by prominent guest speakers at The Englert Theatre, titled, “The Green Room,” an initiative that brought students together with members of the community for discussions on a variety of provocative, timely topics.

“My entire academic career has centered on how to make higher education more meaningful in the lives of my students, and more engaged with the larger world,” Gould says. “I am honored because this nomination came from my colleagues and students. Their support of my work is a great inspiration to reach farther.”