L to R: Tim Hatfield; Brigadier General Helen Pratt, President of the Marine Corps University; Susan Hatfield

Winona State University Professor Emerita Susan Rickey Hatfield received the Department of the Navy’s Superior Public Service Award May 21 at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

The award recognizes Hatfield’s performance while serving as a member of The Marine Corps University’s Board of Visitors from November 2001 to May 21, 2015.

The award is the second highest honorary award that the U.S. Navy can bestow on a civilian. It recognizes civilians who have provided exceptional services that have made a significant and positive impact on the Department of the Navy.

Hatfield’s work as a member of the Board enabled the Marine Corps University to experience growth and success in its educational programs. Her experience in institutional evaluation and assessment helped the University maintain its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

In addition to Hatfield’s efforts in accreditation, she instituted a reading program for the Board of Visitors that followed the Commandant’s Reading program for enlisted Marines and officers. Hatfield also raised money for the Semper Fi Fund that supports wounded Marines and their families.

Hatfield retired in May 2015 after 34 years as a professor of communication studies at WSU. She also served as the university’s assessment coordinator for 13 years. Hatfield is currently a Senior Scholar with the Higher Learning Commission projects on Assessment and Persistence & Completion.

For more information, call the WSU Communications Office at 507-457-5024.