Learning
Awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship and faculty service granted at Charter Convocation
At Muskingum University's Convocation, held August 25 on the campus, three faculty members were recognized for excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The awards were presented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Paul F. Reichardt.
The William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching was awarded to Associate Professor of French Dr. Jean Morris. This award is named in honor of an alumnus whose career combined teaching, ministry and service as president of Miami University and The Ohio State University.
Dr. Reichardt said of Dr. Morris, “Perhaps the best measure of a teacher’s excellence is the excellence of his or her students. Dr. Morris’ students have received awards and honors from the national honor society for language study; the American Association of Teachers of French and the French Ministry of Education and Cultural Services. She has demonstrated excellence across a broad spectrum of teaching and learning environments.”
Dr. Morris joined the faculty in 1994. She earned her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree from the University of Iowa and her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The William Rainey Harper Award for Outstanding Scholarship was granted to Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Paul Szalay. This award is named for an alumnus who was a renowned scholar, educator and the founder and first president of the University of Chicago.
Dr. Reichardt said, “Dr. Szalay has distinguished himself and Muskingum in the area of traditional scholarship by publishing extensively, and through the National Science Foundation’s recognition of his vision for scientific education that will provide continuing support for the work of his faculty colleagues and students.”
Dr. Szalay joined the faculty in 2001. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and his doctorate from Michigan State University.
The Cora I. Orr Faculty Service Award was bestowed upon Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Walter R. Huber. It is named in honor of a Muskingum faculty member and administrator who served the college with devotion and distinction for four decades.
Of Dr. Huber’s achievements at the university, Dr. Reichardt said, “Dr. Huber has led important initiatives that have advanced the university’s strategic agenda in three areas: service to our region of the State of Ohio; global contacts for our faculty and global education for our students; and the assessment of the effectiveness of our liberal arts curriculum. Each of these special accomplishments will help shape the character of Muskingum University as a twenty-first century institution of distinction.”
Dr. Huber joined the faculty in 1998. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State College and both his master’s degree and his doctorate from Miami University.
IN THE PHOTO: Dr. Szalay, Dr. Morris and Dr. Huber.
