Dr. Cheryl Slaughter Ellis, right, professor of community and public health in MTSU’s Department of Health and Human Performance, accepts the University’s 2012 John Pleas Faculty Recognition Award from psychology professor emeritus Dr. John Pleas at a special ceremony at the MTSU Foundation House Feb. 28. The award is presented annually to a faculty member who has contributed significantly to the teaching, research and service of African-Americans. Ellis and Pleas joined the MTSU faculty in 1985, and Ellis instigated the award in 1997 to honor Pleas for his contributions to the University through teaching, mentoring, public service and obesity-treatment research. In addition to her extensive community health- and wellness-education efforts and coordination of the popular National Youth Sports Program at MTSU, Ellis is a member of the honors and graduate faculty at MTSU. The presentation is a regular part of the University’s observation of Black History Month. To watch a brief video about the 2012 award, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyri9Bfi9_A. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)