Jacob Fast holding the Janet Rahamut Award, presented during a special chapel service at Lee
Lee University’s Jake Fast has been named the recipient of the 2024 Janet Rahamut Award. This award is given in recognition to the faculty member who exhibits a heart for students, evidenced by frequent interaction and positive involvement with them outside of the classroom.
The award is named in memory of Dr. Janet Rahamut, a veteran English professor whose tragic death in 2000 shocked the campus and left a tremendous void in the collective heart of the Lee family. The award was created to honor Dr. Rahamut’s dedication to her students, in and out of the classroom.
“I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be honored with this award,” said Mr. Fast. “Carrying on the legacy of Janet Rahamut and her exceptional dedication and commitment to students is not something I take lightly. The students that I have the opportunity to work with at Lee are such an amazing blessing in my life, and I am thankful to be a small part of their journey as they pursue God’s call on their lives.”
Mr. Fast has served at Lee University since 2015, first as the enrollment and advising specialist for the School of Nursing and then as the academic coordinator for LEAP (Learn-Engage-Achieve-Program). He now serves as director of the DHMM program and assistant professor of science in emergency management.
“Since returning to the School of Nursing to work as a full-time faculty member and director of the DHMM program, Jake’s hallmark continues to be student engagement,” said Dr. Amy Jo Perry, interim dean for Lee’s School of Nursing. “As a faculty member, Jake knows how to get students to work to their true potential because he has built a relationship with students outside of the classroom. The students know that he genuinely cares about them as people, not just as students.”
Mr. Fast was presented the award during a special chapel service this month.
Jacob Fast is shown here holding the Janet Rahamut Award, presented during a special chapel service at Lee.