The Stan and Paula Warmath Distinguished Service Award is given on an annual basis and recognizes a staff member or specialized faculty member for their dedicated service to the department. Dr. Ellen Berler is the recipient of the 2016-2017 award, and is made possible by a gift from a generous donor and friend of the department, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Ellen was selected as the recipient of this award for her significant contributions to every aspect of the department. Ellen has worn many hats during her time at FSU including associate chair, director of graduate studies, director of the psychology clinic, coordinator of external placements, co-director of the ABA Master's program, and interim chair.

Ellen is recognized for her encyclopedic knowledge of university policies; her ability to balance faculty preference and students' needs in completing the teaching schedule; her willingness to give her time, attention, and energy to every problem or concern; her ability to find new solutions as information changes; and her ability to do all of this with an unmatched level of grace and patience. Ellen plays an essential role in keeping the department running smoothly.

The Stan and Paula Warmath Distinguished Service Award was established as a lasting tribute to the vision and commitment of Stan and Paula Warmath and their loyalty and service to the department. Paula earned her BS in psychology at FSU in 1980. She worked for the department for two years after graduation and it was during this time that she and Stan met.

Stan earned his BS in psychology at FSU in 1969 and an MS in experimental psychology in 1978. He became labs manager in 1980 and ended his time in the department as the Director of Facilities and Operations. In that position, Stan played a significant role in the planning of and move to the new Psychology Department Building. In the two years prior to his retirement in 2011, Stan served as the renovation and building coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences.