Five named to Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars

September 22, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Five new members have been added to the Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars. They are:

• Linda Behar-Horenstein, professor, department of educational administration and policy, College of Education;
• James W. Lynch, professor, department of hematology/oncology, College of Medicine;
• Gregory Ulmer, professor, department of English, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences;
• Rick Rudd, former associate professor, department of agricultural education and communication, IFAS;
• Paul Doering, distinguished service professor, College of Pharmacy.

The 2006 inductees were announced by Provost Janie Fouke, who said the outstanding educators have demonstrated sustained innovation and commitment to teaching throughout their careers. They also articulated their vision for promoting excellence across campus to the faculty committee that reviewed nominees to the academy.

“The University of Florida is committed to providing recognition to faculty who demonstrate outstanding performance in service to our students,” Fouke said. “The scholars selected for this honor are role models for us all.”

To assist them in advancing their vision for excellence and faculty enhancement at the university, this year’s teacher-scholar awardees will serve for three years on the advisory board for faculty development. In this capacity they will assist the associate provost in developing programs and workshops that enhance the professional careers and experiences of faculty.

“I welcome these new academy members and eagerly anticipate hearing their views on how faculty development can most effectively serve this campus,” King said.

As teaching and learning advocates, academy members also promote a university-wide discourse on key issues surrounding the development of teaching at the university. After completing their three-year terms on the advisory board, members will retain the title of Distinguished Teaching Scholar and continue to be a part of the academy.

The scholars program was founded in August 2004 as a way to reward and utilize the most effective educators, thus enhancing the learning environment. The selection process is highly competitive and based solely on merit. The appointment to the faculty development advisory board includes a $15,000 teaching and research budget distributed over three years.

Five inaugural members were selected in spring 2005. Five additional members will be appointed each subsequent year, thereby maintaining a total of 15 active members. Only tenured faculty may be nominated for an academy position. Copies of the nomination form and required materials can be downloaded at http://www.aa.ufl.edu/aa/facdev/career/awards.shtml.

Nominations for the next group must be received by Jan. 16, 2007. No e-mail nominations will be accepted.