USAO Board of Regents awards professors for teaching, scholarship and service
The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s Board of Regents recently recognized the accomplishments of three faculty members with awards for superior teaching, scholarly activity and public service.
“Each year, our Regents present these awards to show that the USAO faculty are not just world-class academics, but true servants to our community,” said President John Feaver. “Having professors of this caliber truly sets this institution apart from anywhere else in the state. This group of extraordinarily astute, dedicated and caring people allows this university to continue our tradition of different, ensuring that the next generation of bright, driven young people have the kind of rigorous yet adaptable education that rivals the most prestigious universities around the world.”
Dr. Shaylee Chester, instructor of early childhood education and director of the child development center, received the Superior Teaching Award for her clear, concise teaching style that continually ties theoretical material to real-life situations as well as for the caring and nurturing classroom environment that she creates for her students. She is renowned for her interactive teaching style that allows students to present their best work and learn from their weaknesses in a constructive atmosphere.
Dr. Ben Wetherbee, assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies and English and coordinator of writing, received the Faculty Service Award for his commitment to creating interdisciplinary and culturally diverse programs on the USAO campus. In addition to his teaching duties, Wetherbee serves as liaison between the Student Success Center and faculty, editor of The Drover Review and chair of the Glady Anderson Emerson Research Fund Committee among other activities.
Dr. Dany Doughan, associate professor of chemistry, received the Scholarly Activity Award for the wealth of diverse, interdisciplinary and exemplary research projects he has recently undertaken. Doughan co-presented two case studies on COVID-19 mitigation at international conferences as well as authoring two contact tracing logbooks in French and Arabic. He also served as co-principal investigator for a National Science Foundation grant to improve the IT infrastructure on the USAO campus.
Each year, recipients are chosen by a committee on campus. For the superior teaching award, both students and faculty nominate candidates. To qualify, a candidate must be a full-time faculty member, must have been employed by USAO for at least a year, and must not have received the award in the past year.