2/14/97 Contact: Patricia Richard, Ohio University, 614/593-1935
ATHENS, Ohio -- Patricia Bayer Richard, dean of University College at Ohio University and president-elect of the Association of University College Deans and Directors of Undergraduate Studies, has been named one of the nation's 10 Outstanding Freshman Advocates this year.
The award, granted by the National Resource Center for the Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition based at the University of South Carolina, recognizes college and university administrators' efforts to improve the educational experience for first-year students.
A national panel of educators reviewed 140 portfolios and selected 10 Outstanding Freshman Advocates, honoring two people in each of five institutional categories. Richard joined a Harvard University administrator as an award recipient in the "large universities" category.
In nominating Richard for the award, Ohio University President Robert Glidden noted that since Richard became dean of University College in 1992, she has spearheaded a freshman year enrichment program; created learning communities by pairing freshman composition and public speaking courses with upperclass courses in the general education program; helped establish the Center for Community Service and fostered development of service-learning courses; established the Center for Teaching Excellence; and was instrumental in the appointment of a full-time university writing coordinator.
Freshmen who have participated in the enrichment program and paired-course learning communities have shown better rates of retention, higher grade point averages and better grades in freshman composition courses, Glidden said.
"Above all, Dean Richard has kept Ohio University focused on a clearly articulated set of principles: promoting critical thinking by students, helping them enrich their communication skills, promoting values clarification by attending to complex issues citizens must face in the 21st century, and providing a supportive climate for the active, challenging engagement of students in learning," Glidden said.
"Dean Richard has been an outstanding leader of University College and a leader throughout the university in her efforts to nurture and sustain quality undergraduate education," said Provost Sharon S. Brehm. "She richly deserves this recognition, and I'm delighted that her efforts are being honored."
University College focuses on undergraduates and the quality of their academic experience. In addition to serving its own students -- ranging from freshmen exploring the university before selecting a major to degree students in criminal justice and specialized studies baccalaureate programs -- it plays a university-wide role in orientation, the general education curriculum, advising, and support for enhancement of teaching and learning.
Richard joined the Ohio University political science faculty in 1972, and continues to serve as a professor in the department. She is former director of the university's Center for Political Communication and chaired Faculty Senate from 1985-87. Her term as president of the Association of University College Deans and Directors of Undergraduate Studies begins in March.
The award program is in its eighth year and is cosponsored by Houghton Mifflin Inc. The awardees will be honored during the 16th National Freshman Year Experience Conference in Columbia, S.C., on Feb. 22. Richard also will be among the recipients featured in The Freshman Year Experience Newsletter.