DTA, OTA Winners and Finalists Honored During Celebrating College Teaching Conference

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One of the highlights of the annual Celebrating College Teaching Conference is the recognition of the winners and finalists of this year’s Distinguished Teaching Awards and Outstanding Teaching Awards. The recognition took place Friday, Nov. 3, as part of the President’s Luncheon held in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.

Recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award: Dr. Isabel Farnsworth, Dr. Rhonda A. Richardson and Dr. Murali S. Shanker received their awards at the Celebrating College Teaching conference on Nov. 3 in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.

The Distinguished Teaching Award winners are:

Isabel Farnsworth, associate professor of art
Farnsworth is in her 10th year of teaching sculpture at Kent State University. She provides opportunities for students to exhibit their work both inside and outside of the university. One of Farnsworth’s colleagues says, “Her knowledge and enthusiasm for the sculpture program make teaching in the department a joy.”

Rhonda A. Richardson, associate professor of family and consumer studies
Richardson has taught at Kent State since 1984, and she serves as an excellent role model for her students as a scholar and also as an active member of her community. Both faculty and students have high praise for her engaging teaching techniques that combine service learning and her own research. One student says, “Dr. Richardson pushes us to reach our highest potential through kindness and encouragement.”

Murali S. Shanker, associate professor of management and information systems
Shanker joined the Kent State University faculty in 1990. He says his passion for teaching is simple: students. “The realization that my efforts make a difference in their lives is enough motivation for me to be a better teacher and person. I truly want students to be lifelong learners,” he says.

The Outstanding Teaching Award winners are:

Photo by Bob Christy

Robert S. Jewel, lecturer in journalism and mass communication, poses for a photo with one of his classes after he was informed that he was one of the Outstanding Teaching Award recipients for this year.

Robert S. Jewell, lecturer in journalism and mass communication
Jewell joined the Kent State faculty full time in 2003, following a 30-year career in public relations. In addition to his teaching assignments, he coordinates Kent State’s student-run public relations firm, Flash Communications, in University Communications and Marketing. One of his teaching colleagues says, “He is a patient and nurturing mentor, but also one who demands excellence from every student.”

Joseph Minerovic, instructor of mathematical sciences
Minerovic, who joined the faculty at Kent State in 1983, says his teaching philosophy stems from the four “Fs,” which means he tries to be friendly, firm, frank and fair with each student. His attitude toward teaching is evident with his students and colleagues. One fellow instructor says, “His knowledge, patience and availability exemplify his enthusiasm for teaching.”

Walter Pechenuk, lecturer in computer sciences
Pechenuk, a Kent State faculty member since 2000, not only speaks the language of the computer world, but also translates and interprets in French, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian. Pechenuk’s dedication to students is obvious. One colleague says, “Walter truly cares about every aspect of ‘teaching,’ both inside and outside the classroom.”

Finalists for the Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA) are:

• James L. Durandetta, assistant professor of chemistry
• Leslie A. Heaphy, associate professor of history
• Lawrence J. Starzyk, professor of English
• Glenn N. Thomas, associate professor of management and information systems
• Stephen B. Thomas, professor of teaching, leadership and curriculum studies
• Michael J. Tubergen, assistant professor of chemistry
• Stephen M. Zapytowski, associate professor of theatre and dance

Finalists for the Outstanding Teaching Award (OTA) are:

• Daniel Berardinelli, assistant professor of English
• Elizabeth Schlosser, assistant professor of physical therapy
• Nader Taha, assistant professor of mathematical sciences

Recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award each received a $1,500 cash prize and a crystal apple. Sponsored by the Kent State University Alumni Association, the award was established to recognize excellence in the classroom. To be eligible, the faculty member must have been employed at the university for at least seven years and must be in a tenure-track position. The finalists submitted a portfolio for review by the DTA committee, which includes previous DTA recipients, alumni and current students.

Recipients of the Outstanding Teaching Award each received a plaque and a $1,500 honorarium. This award is designated for full-time and part-time nontenure track faculty. The University Teaching Council sponsors this award.