Name a professional optometric organization and Dr. W. Howard McAlister, associate professor of optometry at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, has probably been a member, if not a chair.
He has been an item writer and clinical examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, a member of the World Council of Optometry Public Health Committee, a founding member of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics as well as a member of the Association of Practice Management Educators. And for more than 25 years he has volunteered for the American Optometric Association and the Missouri Optometric Association.
On top of that, McAlister has continued to be involved in the military for more than 30 years, all while inspiring young minds at UMSL and training future optometrists.
He finds the energy because he believes in “selfless action that provides for the common good” – his personal definition of “service.”
In recognition of his extra efforts to help students, the broader optometry profession and the military, McAlister is the recipient of the 2015 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement. He will be presented with a plaque and a $1,000 honorarium during the annual State of the University Address on Sept. 16 in the J.C. Penney Building at UMSL.
“I’ve been awed by Howard’s ability to simplify the seemingly obscure principles of clinical science and public health, enabling students initial understanding,” said UMSL optometry alumnus Lawrence Harrington in a nomination letter. “He then patiently matures their knowledge to achieve master of the full optometric skill set.”
Reviewed 2015-09-03