University Professor Awards

By Bethany Furkin, PACE

The five recipients of the 2006-07 University Professor award have been named.  Benita Blessing, assistant professor ofhistory; David H. Holben, associate professor of health and consumer sciences;Chao-Yang Lee, assistant professor of hearing, speech and language sciences;Linda J. Rice, assistant professor of English; and Jane Z. Sojka, assistant professor of marketing have all been honored for their excellence as teachers.

Founded in 1970, The University Professor program allows students to recognize superior teachers.  Students vote on which professors they deem most valuable, and then a selection committee composed of undergraduate students meets with these professors to choose the final recipients.  Faculty chosen for the honor are given the opportunity to develop and teach two courses for the next academic year.

Blessing plans on teaching one course called “Vampires in Myth and History” and another called “Remembering the Sexual Self: A History of Sexuality through Memoirs.”

Holben has been a registered dietician for almost 20 years and has received severalrewards in his field.

“I am especially humbled by receiving this award, as my students teach, motivate, and challenge me daily.  Seeing their successes both in and outside of the classroom, and after graduation, is invigorating,” Holben said about winning the award. 

Lee will teach “Uniquely Human: The Science of Speech Communication.” “I always tell myself that if I can manage to have a positive impact on just one student,then teaching is all worth it. Being nominated as a University Professor assured me that I might be doing something right,” said Lee of his feelings onbeing honored.  

Rice’s courses are “More than Narnia? The Life and Writings of C.S. Lewis” and “Great Teachers Movies,” which will focus on inspirational films featuring teaching strategies.

Sojka will teach “Why Did I Buy That?—Uncovering Your Vulnerabilities as a Consumer.”

“Students are the true experts in determining good teaching and I am simultaneously humbled and thrilled to be the recipient of this prestigious award,” Sojka said.

The 2006 selection committee members are: Mariah Brown, public relations; Lindsey Edwards, specialized studies;  Ashley Fiore, hearing, speech and language sciences; Tiffany Horvath, accounting and finance; Kwabena Owusu-Kwarteng, business and economics; Aimee Oliver, early childhood education; Sarah Payovich,specialized studies; Kelly Reese, English; Kelli Richardson, urban planning and international studies; Jenna Wojtila, secondary education; and Noelle Zalac, adventure sports and recreation.