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Faculty recognized
During commencement exercises, recognition was also given to five faculty and staff members for outstanding service during the 2000-2001 academic year.
The Outstanding
Teacher Award, which goes to the faculty member nominated
by juniors and seniors at the school, went to Dr.
Terry Simpson, associate professor of secondary education
and chair of the College's division of education.
In recognizing Simpson, Maryville College Interim Vice President and Dean of the College Dr. Robert J. Naylor described him as a "teacher-scholar of international dimension" because of recent travels to Estonia and Saudi Arabia as a Fulbright Scholar.
"Students describe the winner of this year's Outstanding Teacher Award as: 'exuding an aura of professionalism,' 'a master orator,' 'the epitome of what a teacher should be,'" Naylor said. "Indeed he is that, and a good deal more. Terms such as 'caring,' 'challenging,' and 'passionate about his craft' fit equally well."
Dr.
Crystal Wright, assistant professor psychology, was recognized
as the runner-up for the award.
In presenting Wright with her award, Naylor explained that in only two years at the College, she has distinguished herself for "superior teaching and active scholarship."
"She is described as a wonderfully enthusiastic teacher and someone deeply concerned about students as individuals," the dean added. "But if she appears a bit blurry-eyed just now, it's likely because of time spent in the wee small hours of the morning keeping the library open for students to study for final exams."
Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state‘s third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2012 semester was 1,093.