Learning
Awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship and faculty service granted at Convocation
At the college's Annual Convocation, held August 28, four 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 Physical and Health Education and Head Volleyball Coach Dr. Elizabeth A. Zicha. 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. Zicha joined the faculty in 1983. She earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, her masters degree from Ohio University and her doctoral degree from West Virginia University.
The William Rainey Harper Award for Outstanding Scholarship was granted to Associate Professor of English Dr. Richard J. Williamson. 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. Williamson joined the faculty 1996. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sam Houston State University and his doctoral degree from the University of North Texas.
The Cora I. Orr Faculty Service Award was bestowed upon Associate Professor of Education Dr. Joy Cowdery and Associate Professor of History Dr. William T. Kerrigan. It is named in honor of a Muskingum faculty member and administrator who served the college with devotion and distinction for four decades.
Dr. Cowdery joined the faculty in 2002. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Marietta College and both her master’s and doctoral degrees from West Virginia University.
Dr. Kerrigan joined the faculty in 1997. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Austin College, his master’s degree from Texas Christian University and his doctoral degree from the University of Michigan.
In the photo: Pictured from left to right are Dr. Joy Cowdery, Dr. William Kerrigan, Vice President for Academic Dr. Paul Reichardt, Dr. Richard Williamson and Dr. Elizabeth Zicha.
