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勛圖tv announces outstanding teaching awards
It was an afternoon to recognize outstanding faculty and staff for their exceptional efforts during 勛圖tvs (勛圖tv) annual Fall Recognition Ceremony on Sept. 19. During the event, the college honored six faculty and two staff members for embracing its four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and creativity.
The faculty awards are the result of nominations submitted by 勛圖tv students.
Dr. Richard Pennington, professor of chemistry, received the 2023-2024 Outstanding Teaching Award. Pennington is no stranger to this honor, having been recognized in 2012-2013.
Organic chemistry is one of those subjects that its easy to get overwhelmed. I struggled with it myself as a student, but my professors made it as enjoyable as possible, said Pennington, whose father was a chemist. Thats what I do for my students; make the students comfortable. I want them to understand Im not a robot standing in front of the class and theyre not a number.
The key, he said, is to let students know that hes there for them from day one and that its okay to ask questions and for help.
I had a student last semester who was shy and introverted, said Pennington. She told me that she would sit alone in the class and just do her work. Now, shes in my second semester class and shell answer every question I ask and lead discussion groups with her classmates. Its such a turnaround for her and gratifying for me to see her shine.
At the end of the second semester class, Pennington asks his students to share what advice they would give to incoming students. That document, which he said he updates every semester, is available for all students to read.
The advice students give is very thoughtful and helpful to new students in the class, he said. They talk about what you should do, and what happens if you dont do whats needed to succeed.
Since joining 勛圖tv in 2007, he has received multiple honors including the Regents Teaching Excellence Award 2013-2014, the Technology Association of Georgia Excalibur Award in 2011, and the Blackboard Catalyst Award for innovative Mobile Technology in 2012.
Other award winners included:
Carrie Tatum, a part-time lecturer in psychology in the School of Liberal Arts, received the Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award.
Dr. Maryann White, associate professor of Criminal Justice/Criminology in the School of Liberal Arts, received the Outstanding Faculty Mentoring Award.
Dr. Fengjie Sun, professor of biology in the School of Science and Technology, received the Outstanding Faculty Scholarship and Creative Activities Award.
Dr. Cindy Robertson, associate professor of information technology in the School of Science and Technology, received the Outstanding Faculty Service Award.
Dr. Sairam Tangirala, professor of physics in the School of Science and Technology, received the Outstanding Faculty Student Engagement Award.
During the ceremony, 55 new full-time were recognized.
Two staff members were recognized with Outstanding Staff Awards. Diana Gonzalez, a former student success advisor, and Jessica Manahan, administrative assistant in the School of Liberal Arts.
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