Dr. Ricardo Cruz works hard to encourage diversity in the department, both in recruiting students and in the curriculum. His inclusiveness in the classroom, allowing all students a voice and encouraging those who feel marginalized, is among his greatest strengths. In addition to being an award-winning creative writer, his scholarship includes a book focusing on black scholars and teaching. His service to the department is student-centered as well because he believes that teaching students to respect others is part of the profession.

Dr. Gregory Ferrence practices a student-centered approach to education and is aware of the variety of students that he deals with and the need to make courses relevant to them. He believes that it is important to get students involved in research and participate in scholarly activities from the very beginning of their education. Ferrence served as the undergraduate advisor for four years and co-advised both the Chemistry Club and the Skeet Club.

Dr. Virginia Gill encourages learning through continuous review, helping her students think of themselves as intellectual athletes who must practice rather than cram in order to do well. As part of the engagement she encourages in the classroom she has students do a variety of writing assignments and out of class projects. She is the co-advisor for the honor society, supervises 6 teaching assistants, and is a faculty sponsor for honors research.

Dr. Cynthia Moore incorporates an inquiry-based form of teaching that encourages students in the love of learning. She mentors undergraduate and graduate students in the labs and asks for feedback every week in addition to her regular evaluations so that she can help students succeed in her courses. Moore has received grants from national, state, and local organizations.

In addition to announcing this year’s Outstanding College Teachers, the Teaching Awards Committee also announced its nominees for the University Teaching Awards. For Outstanding University Teacher Category I: Patrice Olsen (History), Cheri Simonds (Communication), Kirstin Zona (English) and George Kiser (Politics and Government). For Outstanding University Teacher Category II: Jodi Hallsten (Communication), Daniel Stump (History), Elizabeth Hatmaker (English), and Pilar Mejia (Chemistry). For the Teaching Initiative Award: Bernard Tamas (Politics and Government), William Philpott (History), Renee Tobin (Psychology), David Marx (Philosophy), Brent Simonds (Communication), Amy Robillard (English), Rachel Bowden (Biological Sciences), and Papa Amar Sissokho (Mathematics). For Graduate Student Level I — Masters: Brandon Wood (Communication). For Graduate Student Level II — Masters: Alicia Mullarkey (Biological Sciences) and Ardis l. Stewart (English). For Graduate Student Level I — Doctoral: Marcea Seible (English) and Donald Yee (Biological Sciences).