April 22, 2020 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity has selected Linda Hazlett, clinical associate professor and graduate director for epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, as the recipient of the 2020 University of South Carolina Integrity Award. A part of the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity created this annual award to recognize a distinguished faculty member or instructor who proactively and effectively implements a culture of academic integrity, shows care and concern for both students and their development, and promotes the Carolinian Creed.
“It is my sincere belief that as educators, it is our responsibility to serve as role models for our students and to teach them ethics,” Hazlett says. “Serving as the graduate director for approximately 80 students, my door is always open for any professional or personal concern. My other role is instructing approximately 100+ undergraduates annually. From day one, I instill the principles of ethical conduct, discuss the importance of personal integrity and how one occurrence of unethical conduct can have a negative impact professionally and personally for years to come.”
It is my sincere belief that as educators, it is our responsibility to serve as role models for our students and to teach them ethics.
-Linda Hazlett, graduate director for epidemiology
“Dr. Hazlett is our department’s resident expert on academic integrity, and with her open-door policy, students are always free to stop by,” chair Anthony Alberg says. “She is a tireless advocate for students who is concerned about their overall well-being in addition to their training and professional development.”
Since joining the Arnold School in 2011, many students have been in and out of that open door – looking to Hazlett for guidance on everything from course success to career goals to personal challenges and triumphs. Over the years, she has partnered with the Counseling Center to help students with mental health issues and advocated for students with disabilities – the latter of which earned Hazlett UofSC’s Two Thumbs Up Award in both 2013 and 2017. In 2018, she was recognized with the Arnold School of Public Health Faculty Service Award.
“My discussions with students have been some of the most difficult, yet most rewarding of my career,” she says. “I share in happy times - when a child is born or a successful dissertation, and in heartbreaking times - when a student passes away or must leave the program.”
An alumna of her department’s Master of Public Health (1993) and Ph.D. (2004) programs, Hazlett has first-hand knowledge of what it takes to succeed at UofSC and in the field of epidemiology. She knows first-hand the challenges students face pursuing degrees in higher education and balancing those goals with their personal lives.
I can’t imagine another career award I could receive that would mean more to me that this award.
-Linda Hazlett, graduate director for epidemiology
Hazlett has two children, Ian (30) and Madalyn (26). Ian has autism and lives in a group home, and Madalyn graduated from UofSC and teaches math at Dreher High School. “Madalyn is a remarkable young woman, who is dedicated to her students and teaching,” Hazlett says. “Ian is the happiest person I know, and he has taught Madalyn and me everything we know about patience, acceptance, and unconditional love.”
Even before she joined the Arnold School as a full-time faculty member, Hazlett served as an adjunct instructor for seven years (2004-2011) while co-leading a research consulting firm.
“I am deeply honored to be selected for this award,” says Hazlett, who has been affiliated with the university and the Arnold School for nearly three decades. “I can’t imagine another career award I could receive that would mean more to me than this award.”