Three distinguished faculty and staff members were recognized at this year's pre-Commencement Awards event on May 29 in Hatfield Hall for their efforts in fulfilling hallmarks of the Rose-Hulman educational mission: personal attention, dedication to student success, and quality service.

Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Daniel Chang, PhD, received the Dean's Outstanding Teacher Award and Associate Professor of China Studies Tim Grose, PhD, was presented with the Board of Trustees' Outstanding Scholar Award. Dale Long, director of media relations and executive editor of Echoes, earned the President's Outstanding Service Award. 

The trio were publicly acknowledged again May 31 during Rose-Hulman's 147th Commencement.

Each of this year's special award winners consistently receive accolades and appreciation from campus community members, and their respective presenters acknowledged their contributions in making Rose-Hulman a remarkable place for the world’s best undergraduate science, engineering, and mathematics education in an atmosphere of individual attention and support. 

Chang, who teaches a range of courses from Introduction to Digital Systems to Advanced Computer Architecture, has been praised by students for his ability to clearly explain complex technical material through engaging storytelling, humor, and an inclusive classroom environment.

Known for his “never off-topic” policy that encourages genuine curiosity, Chang structures his courses with intention, clarity, and enthusiasm. Students consistently describe his teaching style as “incredibly enthusiastic,” “genuine,” and “fun,” often noting that his own passion for teaching helps them find joy in learning even the most challenging concepts. 

Chang maintains an active interest in evolving technologies, including computer architecture, 3D integration, low-power computing, and mobile processors. Beyond the classroom, he advises both the IEEE student chapter and the Magic: The Gathering club, deepening his connections with students across academic and extracurricular experiences.

Dean of Faculty Renee Rogge, PhD, remarked that from a pool of 114 eligible faculty, 56 received student nominations this year—underscoring the breadth of teaching excellence at Rose-Hulman. Still, she noted, one of the hallmarks of an outstanding teacher is the ability to stay current in their area of expertise and maintain the ability to communicate clearly with their students. “This is one of Dr. Chang’s superpowers,” Rogge said. “He guides students to make the connections between topics that they would otherwise miss.” 

Meanwhile, Grose was recognized for his consistent and high-impact scholarship in the field of China Studies, with a particular focus on the Uyghur ethnic minority and issues of identity, policy, and repression within China. His widely cited 2019 book, “Negotiating Inseparability in China: The Xinjiang Class and the Dynamics of Uyghur Ethno-National Identity,” received the Central Eurasian Studies Society Book Prize in the Social Sciences. A second book, “Settling Xinjiang: China’s Colonial Project,” is currently under review by University of Washington Press.

Grose has also published numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers, and is a frequent media contributor sought for his expertise on Uyghur issues. In 2024, he was named a Wilson China Fellow by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, where he will contribute scholarship with relevance to U.S. foreign policy toward China, helping bridge academic research and policymaking.

Since joining the Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts in 2014, Grose has developed and taught a suite of popular courses in East Asian Studies and the anthropology of religion. He also helped organize a campus residency for Tibetan Buddhist monks in 2015–16 to promote cross-cultural understanding and global awareness.

“Dr. Grose has a consistently excellent record of scholarly work and has become a widely acknowledged authority in China Studies,” said Board Chair Carl Cook in presenting the award.

For 37 years, Long has poured his heart and soul into celebrating the people and progress of Rose-Hulman, documenting student triumphs, faculty achievements, and alumni legacies on campus and across the country. Long, who will retire at the end of June, possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of Rose-Hulman history and has spearheaded the annual Bikes for Tykes service event for many years.

In addition to elevating the Rose-Hulman brand and deepening the connection alumni feel to their alma mater through his work on Echoes magazine, Long helped grow the Explore Engineering program, broadcast the success of the Rose-Hulman Solar Phantom team to the nation, and helped establish Rose-Hulman's reputation as a top-tier STEM institution. 

Describing Long as “one of Rose-Hulman’s most devoted storytellers, champions, and stewards,” Coons noted, “He has a remarkable ability to make others feel seen and appreciated—because he sees Rose-Hulman not just as a place of work, but as a community, a tradition, and a shared legacy.”