Faculty known for their commitment to students and to the university received awards during a ceremony at the High Country Conference Center on April 23.
Bruce Fox, professor in the School of Forestry, and Kathee Rose, librarian for Cline Library, received the President’s Award for Faculty and Academic Professionals from NAU President John Haeger. They were singled out to receive the award for their exemplary contributions to the NAU mission in at least three categories: creativity in teaching, creative use of technology, advising, assessment, recruitment/retention, collaborative research, diversity and service.
Haeger and Provost Laura Huenneke presented more than 70 awards to those who demonstrate excellence in their profession throughout the year. Among them were eight faculty members who were presented with the Teacher of the Year Award from their colleges, and others were recognized for promotion and tenure status.
Psychology professor Andrew Walters also was honored as the 2014 Distinguished Teaching Fellow.
The three-year appointment recognizes the scholars’ impact on undergraduate learning and provides them the opportunity to develop and teach their “dream course.” They also become board members on the NAU Teaching Academy.
“It is important to me that I demonstrate my care and commitment to students, and that I create a space for students to expand their intellectual and individual development,” Walters said.
Students have called his classes rigorous and challenging, but also places where they feel supported in their learning. His mentoring has resulted in numerous student presentations at professional meetings and the designation as the Most Effective Research Mentor in 2010-2011. Walters’ deep commitment to student success led one reviewer to comment that he demonstrates a “very special and exemplary relationship with his students often extending beyond their time at NAU.”
A complete list of awards and promotions is here.