Honoring Those Who Teach
and Inspire at Smith
Professors at Smith are dedicated scholars and active
researchers. They belong to top organizations like the National Academy of Sciences,
lead national academic groups and are regularly recognized for scholarly contributions
and groundbreaking research.
But of all that Smith professors accomplish in higher education, nothing may be as powerful as their
role in teaching, inspiring and mentoring students.
On October 23, four faculty members will be recognized
for their distinguished teaching records and demonstrated enthusiasm and excellence.
They will receive the annual Kathleen Compton Sherrerd ’54 and John
J. F. Sherrerd Prizes for Distinguished Teaching.
They are Mary Harrington, Tippit
Professor in Life Sciences; Sabina Knight, associate professor of East Asian languages
and literatures; Borjana Mikic, associate professor of engineering; and Kevin Quashie,
associate professor of Afro-American studies.
In fall 2002, Kathy and Jay Sherrerd
provided a generous gift to Smith College to establish a new set of annual prizes
to recognize the sustained and distinguished teaching records of long-time faculty
and to encourage younger faculty whose demonstrated enthusiasm and excellence influence
students and colleagues. This will be the fifth round of Sherrerd Awards.
The selection process is rigorous. A committee of faculty
and students annually reviews nomination letters from students, faculty, staff and
alumnae throughout the community. From a narrowed list, the committee then reviews
data such as student course evaluations, advising records, contributions to the college
curriculum, participation in teaching workshops and other teaching activities. From
the final short list, the award recipients are then chosen after committee members
observe classes and conduct interviews with candidates’ colleagues.
Visit www.smith.edu/news/2006-07/Sherrerd2007.php for
more information about the 2007 award winners. |
