By Rebecca Wyatt Thomas, OU Web Writer
Assistant Professor of Occupational Safety and Health and program director Charles McGlothlin was recently honored by the Michigan Safety Conference as the Michigan Safety Professional of the Year. McGlothlin said he is humbled by the honor and said it spotlights the good work Oakland University is doing in the emerging field of occupational safety and health.
“I was surprised to receive the award. I felt honored. This award is a reflection of the contribution that Oakland University is making in support and development of the safety and health profession,” McGlothlin said.
The Safety Professional of the Year committee noted McGlothlin’s involvement in the growth of OU’s occupational safety and health program as a reason for awarding him the title. OU’s program has grown substantially in recent years and employers are beginning to recognize the quality of the students that come from the program.
McGlothlin, who came to Oakland University in 2002, helped OU obtain ABET accreditation and start a Master of Science in Safety Management degree program, which was established by the Oakland University Board of Trustees in spring 2006. The undergrad and graduate programs now have online components, which McGlothlin hopes will continue to grow.
Occupational health and safety is an emerging career field.
“Occupational safety and health has moved from dealing with compliance and regulation issues to a focus on the bottom line performance of the company,” McGlothlin said. “Today, it’s hard to find a business that isn’t concerned about the health and safety of employees.”
Oakland University occupational safety and health graduates are in-demand. They are employed everywhere from The Palace of Auburn Hills and Frito-Lay, to Target Corporations and local hospitals.
McGlothlin was nominated for the award by two individuals. One of the nominations came from Darryl Hill, adjunct professor of occupational safety and health, who received a Distinguished Services to Safety Award at the Michigan Safety Conference in 2007.
This isn’t the first time McGlothlin has been recognized for his contributions to occupational safety and health education. In August 2006, McGlothlin was recognized by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) with the Outstanding Safety Educator Award.
“It’s really not about me as much as it is about our program and the change that is coming about in the program,” McGlothlin said. “We are on the leading edge to meet the changes of tomorrow in our educational offerings. We have wonderful support staff, faculty and the support of the administration to help make this program a success.”
For more information on Oakland University’s occupational safety and health, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Web site.