Three NSU instructors honored as Faculty of the Year

Anyone on the NSU campus can nominate a favorite teacher for Faculty of the Year, but only three make the cut.

Here's how the process works according to guidelines set up by the Faculty Association.

According to Dr. Charles Ziehr, NSU associate professor of geography, and incoming president of the Faculty Association, 27 faculty members were nominated for the award. He said anyone at NSU is welcome to submit a name to the council for consideration.

"I believe this award to be the highest honor that faculty bestows upon faculty," said Ziehr.

Ziehr believes the award is a way for the university to point out excellence, and when people strive for excellence, they will produce innovative ideas, and the extra effort benefits everyone.

Dr. David Scott, associate professor of speech/theatre, received the award for research; Dr. Joseph Fleming, assistant professor of optometry, received the award for teaching; and Dr. Paul Westbrook, professor of speech/theatre, received the award for service.

Scott attributes a great deal of his ability to win this award to the staff at John Vaughan Library. "I couldn't win it without them," he said.

"When you're surrounded by good people, it's easy to achieve, and now that I've got the recognition, I have to live up to it," Scott said.

The three recipients' names will be inscribed on bricks to be added to the newly-constructed circle of excellence in front of Seminary Hall.

"It means a lot to be recognized for your work, and it's a nice feeling to know I can take my grandchildren there someday and show them what I've accomplished," said Scott.

Connie Henshaw, adjunct English instructor, nominated Dr. Westbrook for service and teaching.

"Dr. Westbrook is a selfless man," said Henshaw. "He does so many human things like Habitat for Humanities, Amnesty International, helping students and the community all the time.

"He's a brilliant teacher, has a delightful sense of humor and always has a smile for everyone, but most of all he is an excellent role model. He's a real Renaissance man."

According to Dr. William A. Monaco, dean of the NSU College of Optometry, there is no one more worthy of the award that Dr. Fleming.

"Fleming is an exceptional teacher in the classroom as well as in the clinic," he said. "He's the most compassionate and caring person I have ever met."

Award winners will also receive a new Pentium computer for their offices, provided by Vice President Al Williams through the office of Academic Affairs.

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Last updated: June 25, 1997