Physical Therapy Professor and former Department Chair Janna Beling was given the title of Knight in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the The Prime Minister of France as a reward for and recognition of her contributions in strengthening the cooperation between France and the United States in the field of education.
The medal was given to Beling in September from the French Consul General of Los Angeles at a ceremony at the Residence of France. The prestigious title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight in the Order of Academic Palms), proposed by the French Minister of Education and awarded by the French Prime Minister, is the highest French recognition for faculty who enrich global cultural heritage and promote the French culture.
The Academic Palms was founded by Napoleon in 1808 to honor educators and is the oldest non-military French decoration. It recognizes the significant contributions of professors through their teaching, scholarship and leadership over the course of their careers.
This title has been awarded to Beling because of her work over the years in overseeing an education center in France during the summer where CSUN Physical Therapy (PT) has promoted cultural exchange among faculty in the United States and France. "I am profoundly honored by this award from France and look forward to contributing with dedication to the shared advancement of scientific knowledge, education and the deepening ties between our two nations," Beling said.
During her speech at the event, the Consul General also mentioned Beling's international work, and position on the board, with Health Volunteers Overseas. Beling said, "This relationship has directly impacted CSUN where I began the International Physical Therapy course in 2009 to take our Doctor of Physical Therapy students for clinical experiences in Vietnam and Malawi."
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Janna Beling
Photos: Janna Beling