Western U administrator to receive podiatric honor

The executive associate dean of Western University of Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine will be awarded the 2011 American Podiatric Medical Association's Award of Excellence, the university announced this week.

Dr. Lester Jones will be presented the award during the American Podiatric Medical Association's meeting of the House of Delegates on March 20 and 21 in Washington, D.C., according to a university statement.

The award honors those who have carried out outstanding national accomplishments in the scientific, professional or civic fields during their lifetimes, the statement said.

"It's a humbling experience," Jones said in the statement. "You work an entire career trying to achieve excellence, and I don't really think you grasp the achievements that are occurring right before your eyes. What you see you are doing is your job. I don't get with the adage of getting something in return for it. It's the joy of doing a job well done and seeing others advance in scope."

College of Podiatric Medicine Dean Lawrence B. Harkless made the nomination, which drew the support of of several colleagues and was approved by both the Association's Award and Recognition Committee and its board of trustees, the statement said.

Harkless obtained a dozen letters of recommendation from prominent physicians and directors who have worked with Jones during his 33-year career.

"This demonstrates high commitment to excellence in education, leadership and service during an outstanding career," Harkless said. "He's one of the hardest-working individuals I know, serving with compassion, humility, integrity and credibility."