|
 |
Ohio
State recognizes top faculty
During halftime
of the Buckeye football game on Saturday, the university will salute
faculty excellence by recognizing the women and men who day in and day
out define the essence of this institution. Representing all of Ohio
State's outstanding faculty on the field will be the recipients of the
university's most prestigious honors.
Distinguished
University Professor
2001 Alumni Awards for Distinguished Teaching
2001
University Distinguished Scholar Award
Faculty
Award for Distinguished University Service
University Distinguished Lecturers
Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Awards
Distinguished
University Professor
Two
Ohio State professors considered pioneers in their fields and holders
of some of their disciplines’ most prestigious awards have received
the university’s highest faculty honor — designation as a
Distinguished University Professor. These are titles that each will
carry for life. Distinguished University Professors continue their regular
program of teaching, research, scholarly or creative work, and service.
They are nominated by their colleagues both at Ohio State and internationally.
Evaluators from outside the university are invited to assess the quality
and significance of each nominee's academic accomplishments. Ohio State
is very fortunate to have these two world-class scientists on its faculty.
CHARLES C. CAPEN
Professor and Chair of Veterinary Biosciences
Professor of Internal Medicine
Capen is one of only two Ohio State faculty members inducted into the
Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and is one
of the few veterinarians ever selected as an institute member. Considered
to be the world authority on veterinary endocrine pathology, he is renowned
for his work in the use of animal models to study human diseases.
"He is without a doubt the most distinguished scientist and administrator
in veterinary medicine," a Stanford peer wrote. "Dr. Capen’s
department sets a very high standard of excellence in veterinary medicine
and in the broader area of biomedical research." Students and scholars
alike have benefited from Capen’s dedication, colleagues say. "It
is nationally accepted that as a consequence of his influence, his students
will be outstanding both through the quality required for their acceptance
as well as having benefited from Dr. Capen as a mentor," a peer
wrote. Another colleague wrote, "Chuck Capen is a luminary in the
world of comparative pathology, a true role model for the rest of us."
MATTHEW S. PLATZ
Professor of Chemistry
Platz received this high University honor at the conclusion of a very
good year. He was one of 10 recipients of the 2001 Cope Scholar Award
of the American Chemical Society, which recognizes excellence in organic
chemistry, and was recently named to three prestigious lectureships:
The Gustafson Distinguished Lectureship at the University of Denver,
the Berson Lectureship at Yale University and the Ingersoll Lectureship
at Vanderbilt University. Platz also received renewal funding from the
National Science Foundation through January 2003, his 24th consecutive
years of NSF funding at Ohio State.
"In my opinion, Professor Platz is the world’s expert on carbene
chemistry today, bar none," a colleague wrote. "He has attained
this enviable position by a series of fundamental discoveries made possible
by ingenious application of a variety of experimental techniques, extraordinary
power of observation, keen insight and thoughtful interpretation of
data." Another remarked, "With his great personal warmth,
blunt honesty, scientific enthusiasm and remarkable productivity, Platz
serves as cheerleader, advocate and role model for a generation of young
physical organic chemists."
return
to top
2001
Alumni Awards for Distinguished Teaching
There is a proverb that says: "Better than a thousand days of diligent
study is one day with a great teacher." Today, OSUToday recognizes
10 of Ohio State's greatest teachers — the winners of the 2001 Alumni
Awards for Distinguished Teaching. Honorees were nominated by their
toughest critics — their students. Winners of this award join previous
years' winners as members of the prestigious Academy of Teaching.
JAVAD
ABDALKHANI
Associate Professor of Mathematics, Lima Campus
Abdalkhani is highly respected by his students, many of whom credit
him with inspiring them to careers in teaching and mathematics. "I
signed up for additional math classes in order to get a concentration
area so I can teach math," one student wrote. "Dr. Abdalkhani
is a model of what a math teacher can be. He makes math fun, shows us
how to teach it, and connects with his students in a special way."
NEELI M. BENDAPUDI
Assistant Professor of Marketing
Students speak of Bendapudi's strong interest in their welfare and her
knowledge of the subject matter. "I have had several good professors,
however, I can definitely call Professor Bendapudi the best I have had,"
one student wrote. In addition to her classroom teaching, she acts as
an informal adviser and mentor to many undergraduates and has won numerous
awards in the Fisher College of Business for her teaching.
JULIA F. GUY
Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Medical Education
An innovative teacher, Guy inspires her students "to work harder
than ever before" and "to learn more than thought possible,"
wrote one nominator. Guy designed Anatomy 199, an introductory course,
and is developing a web-based version for nontraditional students. Guy
"is not only an exceptional teacher," wrote another nominator,
but she is "also one who is undying in her efforts to assist all
those who knock on her ever-open office door."
DAVID J. HART
Professor of Chemistry
Though Hart received the Distinguished Scholar Award 15 years ago, he
considers himself a teacher foremost. His Honors Organic Laboratory
is one of the most demanding, yet popular, courses. "Many students
work in a graduate group as part of their undergraduate experience,"
wrote one nominator, "but I doubt most have the type of experience
I had. Ö Professor Hart and his group took the time to make me
feel important."
TIMOTHY E. HERON
Professor of Physical Activity and Educational Services
Alumni and current students supporting Heron's nomination routinely
described him as fair, knowledgeable, organized, compassionate and an
expert teacher. "His knowledge of the subject matter he teaches
is phenomenal, and he supplements his lectures with citations from extremely
current research in the field," one student wrote. Students take
notice: "He gets so excited about his students and what they're
learning that he practically beams," a student wrote.
RANDY D. HODSON
Professor of Sociology
Students who have taken classes with Hodson say that he is interested
in teaching, well- organized, a clear communicator and well- prepared.
Even students in his large introductory lecture classes testify to Hodson's
skill and enthusiasm as a teacher. One student wrote that the size of
her Sociology 101 class "did not stop Professor Hodson from making
the class feel exceptionally smaller."
KEITH MERRILL IRVIN
Professor of Animal Sciences
This is not the first time Irvin has been honored for his outstanding
work with students, having received the College of Food, Agricultural,
and Environmental Sciences Outstanding Student Advisor Award and the
Outstanding Academic Advisor Award. As one nominator put it, Irvin's
"dedication to his profession" also shows through in the classroom.
He "approaches teaching with the student in mind," and is
developing several classes within the department.
RALF G. RAHWAN
Professor of Pharmacy
A passionate teacher and an able researcher, Rahwan is praised as a
"true educator" who makes students feel "challenged rather
than intimidated by the material." The effects of his teaching
efforts are long-lasting. A former student wrote that "alumniÖare
able to apply the knowledge from Dr. Rahwan's lectures to their professional
practices, even years after graduating."
BARBARA L. SEIDL
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Learning
Seidl is universally lauded for her student-centered approach to teaching.
"Students know they can count on her to hold them to high academic
standards while validating their experiences on a personal level,"
one student wrote. Her ability to absorb details of her students' work
receives high marks. "She knew our work better than we ourselves
did!" one student remarked. Another asserted, "She is energetic,
understanding and brilliant."
IAN M. SHELDON
Professor of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics
"Students note Professor Sheldon's meticulous preparation, accessibility
both in and out of the class, use of case studies based on current economic
problems, ability to simplify economic concepts and focus on the key
relationships, and his effective use of humor," one nominator wrote.
Described by a student as a "must-take teacher," Sheldon advises
both undergraduate and graduate students, and is deeply involved in
outreach teaching to state agribusiness leaders.
return
to top
2001
University Distinguished Scholar Award
The 2001
University Distinguished Scholar Award recognizes
exceptional scholarly accomplishments by senior professors who have
compiled a substantial body of research, and younger faculty members
who have demonstrated great scholarly potential. The winners of this
award are among the world's most outstanding researchers. They are truly
stars at this university. They have made remarkable and significant
contributions to human knowledge — and their creative and scholarly
works are impressive in their originality, insight, and breadth.
BRIAN
D. JOSEPH
Professor of Linguistics
Joseph is the world's leading specialist in the linguistic structure
and history of the Greek language, and has made significant contributions
in the fields of Balkan linguistics and in general historical linguistics.
His central role in the field of linguistics inspired one colleague
to write of Joseph, "Few scholars can claim such a range of expertise;
fewer still can claim to have made so many decisive contributions to
so many different branches of their subject."
JOHN N. KING
Professor of English
King is a "Renaissance Man" whose research and writings have
earned him an international reputation in the field of English Renaissance
literature, history and culture. His work has had a major impact across
the fields of literary criticism; intellectual, religious and political
history; art history; women's studies; bibliography; and the Renaissance
Bible. His notable expansion of knowledge of pre- Shakespearean literature
has enabled scholars to understand the enduring impact of Reformation
cultural practices.
HENRI MOSCOVICI
Professor of Mathematics
Whereas most sciences find their basis in observations of the everyday
world, quantum physics must rely on mathematics to describe tiny particles
and events that remain unseen. To describe theoretical quantum spaces
and their symmetries, Moscovici pioneered a new form of geometry, known
as noncommutative geometry, and he continues to expand the boundaries
of mathematics and nurture graduate students who become experts in the
area he pioneered.
J. WILLIAM RICH
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Nominators cited not only Rich's scientific and engineering accomplishments,
but also his extensive knowledge of history and literature. One wrote
that his work "underpins the efforts of literally hundreds of researchers
in academia." Rich's study of gas and plasma flows has led to advances
in high-power lasers, high-speed flight and rocketry, as well as industrial
chemical processes.
LEILA J. RUPP
Professor and Chair of History
An extraordinarily productive and distinguished scholar, Rupp has made
cutting-edge contributions to women's history, the history of social
movements and the history of sexuality, as well as other fields. One
colleague remarked that Rupp's "skills with languages, primary
sources and interpretation are unique, placing her almost in a league
of her own as a comparative historian of women and feminism."
LONNIE G. THOMPSON
Professor of Geological Sciences
Thompson's nomination for this award labels him "the international
pioneer in acquisition and interpretation of tropical and subtropical
ice core histories." In short, he is the world's expert in deciphering
clues to ancient climate trapped inside ice from some of the Earth's
harshest environments. His predictions about the growing impact of global
warming have been sought by the U.S. Congress, the vice president and
colleagues around the world.
return
to top
Faculty
Award for Distinguished University Service
Recipients of this year's Faculty Award for Distinguished
University Service were nominated and selected by their faculty
colleagues. The winners "bring the full resources of their combined
humanity to the table and share them generously." Service to the
university and society is a way of life that is intrinsic to the winners
of this award. When questions arise as to who the university turns for
sage faculty advice, no names are suggested more often than the winners
of this award. As a nominator wrote, these professors are "exactly
the type of faculty we need at Ohio State if we are to become a better
academic institution."
ROBERT J. PERRY
Professor of Physics
Colleagues say Perry has served on essentially all of the important
committees in physics. He helped select the dean of his college, chairs
University Senate's Rules Committee and was vice chair of the Research
Commission. "He can be challenging and stimulating almost to the
point of playfulness — and it is this aspect of his persona that
makes him such a breath of fresh air — but he is deeply serious
about academic values and the good of Ohio State," a colleague
wrote. Because of his combined strengths, he is called by colleagues
"one of the gems we have on campus" and "a good citizen."
SALLY V. RUDMANN
Professor and Director of Medical Technology
Rudmann's list of service on university committees is long and impressive
— including service on University Senate's Athletic Council and
as past chair of Faculty Council and the Senate Steering Committee —
all while while carrying on an active research program and teaching
load. Her ability to strike a balance impresses her peers. "Sally
works hard, is always well-prepared, and enjoys excellent relationships
throughout the university," a colleague wrote. "Time and time
again, she has brought calmness, respect for others, reasonableness,
and plain common sense to bear on difficult situations."
CAROLINE C. WHITACRE
Professor and Chair of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics
Many university activities over the past 10 years show evidence of Whitacre's
involvement. She chaired the Senate Oversight Committee on Restructuring
and the Presidential Commission on University Governance. A nominator
noted that "when a tough assignment arises which requires patience,
common sense, understanding, interpersonal skills, diligent attention
to process, and diplomacy, Caroline is the first, and often the only,
person who is considered for the job." Another emphasized that
Whitacre "handles every situation, no matter how stressful, with
poise, a calm demeanor and soft-spoken wisdom."
return
to top
University
Distinguished Lecturers
Two
Ohio State faculty members have been selected as the University Distinguished
Lecturers for the 2001-02 academic year. The University Distinguished
Lectureship recognizes outstanding faculty here with an opportunity
to discuss their work with the community and a $5,000 award to support
an academic program or project of their choice. Each will deliver free,
public lectures this year on a topic of their choice that reflects their
scholarly expertise.
RUTH COLKER
Professor of Law
Colker holds the Heck-Faust Memorial Chair in Constitutional Law. An
expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act, she has practiced law
in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, taught
women’s studies at George Washington University, and taught in
the law schools of Tulane University and the universities of Toronto
and Pittsburgh. At OSU, she teaches constitutional law, legislation,
sexual orientation and the law, feminist legal theory and disability
discrimination.
ARTHUR EPSTEIN
Distinguished University Professor of Physics and Chemistry
Epstein also is director of the Center for Materials Research. A faculty
member at Ohio State for 17 years, he is the world's leading expert
on why conducting polymers conduct electricity. Among his best-known
inventions is the world's first plastic magnet. He has received the
University's Distinguished Scholar Award and is credited for his instrumental
role in substantially increasing interdisciplinary research and education
at Ohio State.
Distinguished
Diversity Enhancement Awards
The Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Awards recognize the extraordinary
efforts of individuals or groups to widen opportunities and programs
for minority groups on our campus. Here, the university honors significant
commitment to supporting women, minorities, Vietnam-era veterans, disabled
veterans, people with disabilities and a deeper diversity — one
that encompasses differences in experiences.
BRENDA JO BRUEGGEMANN
Associate Professor of English
Her scholarship in deaf/disability studies has won Brueggemann many
accolades, but her dedication to diversity issues is more than cerebral.
"Much to her credit, Professor Brueggemann has gone well beyond
scholarship to provide almost a decade of service to the University,
to her professional community, and to the community at large,"
wrote one nominator.
RAUL HERRERA
Associate Professor of Engineering
Herrera is known for his warm, effusive personality and dedication to
the Latino/a community at Ohio State. "It is not an understatement
to say that Dr. Herrera’s presence and fortitude has been the glue
that has held the Latino community together at Ohio State University,"
wrote one nominator. "He in many ways is a ‘founding father’
of diversity or our ‘padrino’ as we call him."
ALLEN ZIMMERMAN
Professor of Engineering Technology and Technical Physics, ATI
Zimmerman has taken significant steps to raise awareness about diversity
issues at ATI. "Wherever he is, whether it is in the classroom,
in a meeting, or in our student lounge, Allen is an advocate of people’s
rights," wrote a nominator. "Allen not only espouses diversity,
he also lives his beliefs."
return
to top | www.osu.edu
|
