MSU FACULTY TO BE HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE

2/6/2003

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Ten Michigan State University professors will receive the Distinguished Faculty Award during the annual universitywide Awards Convocation on Feb. 11, bringing to 401 the number of faculty honored since the award was established in 1952.

They and 18 other award winners will be honored at the convocation, set for 3 p.m. in the Pasant Theatre of Wharton Center.

Each Distinguished Faculty Award winner receives a stipend of $3,000. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the intellectual development at MSU.

The Awards Convocation, which is open to the public, follows President Peter McPherson's Founders' Day speech. McPherson is expected to discuss the philosophy and framework for decision making as the university faces critical budget challenges.

Also to be presented are the:

• Distinguished Academic Staff Awards, which carry a $2,500 stipend. Four individuals are being recognized for extraordinary academic achievement, excellence and exceptional contributions.
• Teacher-Scholar Awards, which carry a $2,000 stipend. Six individuals are being recognized for devotion to and skill in teaching and scholarly promise.
• MSU Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan Quality in Undergraduate Teaching Awards, which carry a $2,000 stipend. Two individuals are being recognized for quality teaching and substantial continuing involvement in undergraduate education.
• Excellence-in-Teaching Citations, which carry a $1,000 stipend. Six individuals are being recognized for meeting classroom responsibilities and for scholarly promise as a graduate assistant.

Distinguished Faculty Awards

Mohammed Ayoob
James Madison College

Mohammed Ayoob is an internationally renowned scholar of regional and Third World politics and political development. His interdisciplinary work challenges prevailing wisdom and assumptions and has made widely acknowledged contributions to the theory of international relations. Ayoob is an equally gifted and accomplished teacher. An excellent and thoughtful lecturer, he effectively brings students into the conversation and then pushes them to more serious and thoughtful inquiry.

He says: "I am delighted at receiving the award which I consider to be a recognition not only of my personal achievements but of the Madison faculty's ability to engage in serious and innovative teaching as well as world-class research. I am grateful to my colleagues both within James Madison College and in the wider MSU community for providing an intellectual environment that is conducive to doing both simultaneously."

Franklin J. Boster
Department of Communication

Franklin J. Boster has excelled by generating, sharing and applying knowledge about human communication behavior. He is an internationally recognized expert among scholars of social influence. His innovative and rigorous evaluation of new Internet technology has contributed to the promotion of the federal No Child Left Behind initiative. Boster has demonstrated multidimensional excellence as an internationally recognized scholar, a nurturing and effective teacher and an important contributor to the private and public sectors.

He says: "It is a great honor for me to receive this award. It is very special to me because it represents more than my achievement. It reflects the intellectual stimulation of outstanding students, colleagues, and two special mentors and past recipients of this award, Gerald R. Miller and John E. Hunter. The community of scholars in the Department of Communication has supported and nurtured my academic pursuits and I am deeply grateful."

Leonard M. Fleck
Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences and the Department of Philosophy

Leonard M. Fleck is nationally known for his work on issues in biomedical ethics. He devotes special attention to questions of fairness in the ways that health care is used, distributed and paid for. Fleck's ardent belief in the practical importance of moral philosophy infuses his teaching with an infectious enthusiasm. His high expectations for students are tempered by his generous and friendly nature. For some students, working with Fleck was life changing. One writes, "Never has one class made me examine myself or my values as much as this."

He says: "Much of my scholarship and public service has centered around the importance of rational democratic deliberation in addressing controversial issues in society, such as health care rationing or issues related to genetics and reproductive decision making. Protecting our social capacity for respectful dialogue about such issues must be central to the mission of universities. I see this award as recognizing the importance of such work by both myself and my colleagues."

Susan Florio-Ruane
Department of Teacher Education

Susan Florio-Ruane is a pioneer in the adaptation of anthropological and sociolinguistic methods to the study of classroom teaching. She also is an international leader in designing, executing, publishing and defending qualitative inquiry and grounded theory construction about teaching written literacy in K-12 schooling and in developing new roles for classroom teachers as research collaborators. Florio-Ruane gives educators the potential to discover, restructure and transform education.

She says: "I'm surprised, delighted and grateful. A lot of people - especially Dr. Patricia Edwards, who worked very hard to nominate me - wrote some awfully nice things to enable me to win it. I feel a bit awkward receiving it since, over my long time here at MSU, I have known and worked with many wonderful faculty members also deserving of such acknowledgment. Having said this, however, I'm incredibly honored."

Roger C. Haut
Departments of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Mechanical Engineering

Roger C. Haut has worked to improve people's lives through research that bridges the discipline of engineering and multidisciplinary life sciences. He is known for creative insights that have led to the development of safer automobiles. He also is known for his innovative work in the areas of orthopedic biomechanics and shoe design. He has a significant body of work on osteoarthritis induced by traumatic injury. Haut has excelled as a researcher and mentor of students.

He says: "I am very pleased to receive an MSU Distinguished Faculty Award this year. This award is well-deserved recognition for my talented technical staff, colleagues and the numerous undergraduate and graduate students who have worked so hard over the years in my laboratory. I also would like to express my appreciation for the support of the College of Osteopathic Medicine during my research activities at MSU."

William S. Penn
Department of English

William S. Penn is a nationally and internationally recognized novelist, storywriter and essayist. His commitment to young writers and scholars, especially Native Americans, is demonstrated by his long-term involvement with the Wordcraft Circle of Native American Writers and Storytellers. Penn instills in his students both a passionate interest in culture and storytelling and an appreciation of high standards.

He says: "I am pleased and honored by this award which reminds me of how fortunate I have been in my family, friends and colleagues, and mentors; a good fortune that dates as far back as my high school Latin teacher who taught me that hard work was not optional. Others have added to these lessons, teaching that wasted talent is a sin, that a writer can co-exist with a scholar and teacher and that the individual matters only in so far as he joins the great-grandfathers and grandmothers to the great grandchildren. All of these people contributed to this award and, I hope, will accept their share in its reception."

E. James Potchen
Departments of Radiology and Management

E. James Potchen is an internationally renowned radiologist, recognized for his contributions advancing the field of magnetic resonance imaging and integrating fundamental concepts of law and business into the practice of modern diagnostic medicine. He further distinguishes himself through invigorating classroom learning. He also has selflessly dedicated himself to the university, developing and implementing visionary pathways to the future.

He says: "I am delighted and honored to receive this award. I share this recognition with the countless students and colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to learn. I see the product of my life's work in the careers of others. Mentoring students and creating opportunities for others is the most rewarding work of all."

K. N. Subramanian
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

K. N. Subramanian is a world leader in the development and characterization of lead-free solders. His studies have global economic and environmental impact because of the necessity to alleviate increasing lead contamination. Subramanian is an inspiring and effective teacher. He recently inaugurated a new course for incoming freshmen to motivate students to study materials science by critically examining the link between materials and current newsworthy events.

He says: "I enjoy the profession wherein I can carry out research and train bright minds. I thank my peers for bestowing this award in recognition of my career activities, and my students for making it possible."

Jonathan D. Walton
Plant Research Laboratory and Department of Plant Biology

Jonathan D. Walton has become an internationally recognized leader in research on plant-pathogen interactions. He uses the pathogenic fungus Cochliobolus carbonum as a model organism to study, in a multidisciplinary manner, a plant disease syndrome. Walton excels as a teacher and mentor of students and research associates in his laboratory, making contributions in molecular plant pathology, dedication and enthusiasm to train young scientists.

He says: "MSU is a world-class institution that recognizes quality in research and teaching. I am very grateful to the students, staff and colleagues for making my years at MSU professionally and personally rewarding. I am also very appreciative of the administration, staff and my colleagues for their strong support for basic research in the plant sciences."

John L. Whitwell
School of Music

John L. Whitwell is widely recognized in the professional music world for his mastery of wind conducting. He has commissioned composers of national and international standing. Whitwell is a master teacher who has inspired countless students to reach new heights and take responsibility for their own lifelong learning. He also works tirelessly to elevate standards and strengthen curriculum in public school music.

He says: "It is a great honor to receive the Michigan State University Distinguished Faculty Award, not only for myself, but also for the many dynamic colleagues and wonderful students with whom I work in the School of Music. I am most fortunate to have enjoyed the mentorship of some of the great pioneers in American music education, and now to have the opportunity of teaching at MSU, one of the premier academic institutions in the nation."

Teacher-Scholar Awards

Laura J. Apol
Department of Teacher Education

Laura J. Apol exemplifies the merging of theory and practice that is crucial for a teacher of teachers. One of her prime goals is to challenge students every day. She is engaging and enthusiastic in the classroom. Apol's teaching and her courses have the reputation with the campus community of being powerfully transformative.

Matthew E. Doumit
Departments of Animal Science and Food Science and Human Nutrition

Matthew E. Doumit is an internationally recognized scholar of food and animal science. His courses in meat science and muscle biology and his instructional ability consistently receive top ratings. He proves to students that their ideas are important.

Laurent Dubois
Department of History

Laurent Dubois has created a new field in the Department of History at MSU. He has broadened it to include the Atlantic world and made it exciting for students in his classes. He touches a wide range of students with his interdisciplinary teaching. Careful mentoring and example complement his rich teaching style.

Ranjani A. Krishnan
Department of Accounting and Information Systems

Ranjani A. Krishnan is emerging as a top research leader nationally in the field of managerial accounting. She also is a superb educator and mentor to her students. She exceeds expectations; promotes learning with creative course design and pedagogy; and displays deep concern for students' learning.

Charles B. Owen
Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Charles B. Owen, widely recognized in his profession, is noted for applying scholarship to instruction, exploring new classroom methodologies and overcoming obstacles to effective learning. As one student noted, "Nearly everything about his course is designed to get students involved and interested in learning."

Rod Phillips
James Madison College

Rodney Phillips inspires students, peers, and a wider public to understand the connections between nature, culture and public affairs. His research and writing have produced a new understanding of the environmental concerns of the Beat Era writers and offer a rich context in which to understand how we reflect on and manage the environment.

MSU Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan Quality in Undergraduate Teaching Awards

Richard J. Hall
Department of Philosophy

Richard J. Hall has unbounded enthusiasm both for his students and philosophy. He is driven by something basic to philosophy: awakening the love of learning in students. Hall provokes those he teaches to think cooperatively about the most difficult philosophical questions. Hall has a special skill to do so with modesty, good humor and respect.

Edward J. Rothwell
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Edward J. Rothwell maintains a clear perspective in providing a universal education. He incorporates problem solving and critical analysis techniques into his courses. He teaches that every pilot is a representative of the entire aviation community, a concept he applies to himself as a representative of the teaching community.

Distinguished Academic Staff Awards

Larry A. Hembroff
Institute for Public Policy and Social Research

Larry A. Hembroff provides the vital link between research and outreach that is the essence of MSU. He was instrumental in launching the Office for Survey Research. He is known for his intellect, careful consideration of issues, and the thoughtful way that he manages staff and students.

Paul W. W. Hunter
Department of Chemistry

Paul W. W. Hunter has been a mainstay of the chemistry program at MSU. He has influenced thousands of students with the clarity of his lectures, the sincerity of his advising, the breadth of his curriculum developments and the variety of his outreach activities. He has been a tireless advocate for educational excellence at all levels.

Patricia M. Lowrie
College of Veterinary Medicine and Women's Resource Center

Patricia M. Lowrie serves the MSU Women's Resource Center and the College of Veterinary Medicine with excellence and distinction. She has been an active participant in community organizations and works to ensure that the medical community and Lansing address the needs of the disenfranchised.

Susan B. Smalley
MSU Extension

Susan B. Smalley is a consummate extension educator and "builder of people." She brings passion and devotion to the people and organizations she serves. She serves as extension leader in statewide sustainable agriculture programs and has been a founding member and organizer of several such organizations.

Excellence-in-Teaching Citations

Kristy Holtfreter
School of Criminal Justice

Kristy Holtfreter exhibits dedication, promise and creativity as a teacher and scholar. Her innovative techniques are a success in the classroom. She draws on her research to incorporate new developments in her classes.

Lisa L. Massi Lindsey
Department of Communication

Lisa L. Massi Lindsey is an "enthusiastic" instructor, making students in her classroom want to learn. As a rising scholar, her focus on experimental learning allows students to make sense of challenging material presented in her courses.

Megan M. Mahoney
Department of Zoology

Megan M. Mahoney merges scholarly research with her teaching. Her enthusiasm engages students and helps them thoroughly enjoy the entire process of learning. She is also is a talented and dedicated researcher.

Terence Jude Pitre
Department of Accounting and Information Systems

Terence Jude Pitre makes his students appreciate the nuances of assessing and measuring economic activity. One student remarked, "He kept it real." He also is a persistent, creative and talented researcher.

Rachel A. Smith
Department of Communication

Rachel A. Smith teaches by linking her classroom in East Lansing to the rest of the world. A student commented, "She has shown academic as well as personal goals I thought were unattainable were, in fact, well within my grasp."

Harry Williams
Department of Art and Art History

Harry Williams demonstrates an enthusiasm for art and passion for teaching. He has shown leadership in important educational functions and his professional art involvements signal a promising career.