Gary Scudder, assistant dean for Global Engagement at Champlain College has been named the 2010 Vermont Professor of the Year by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. He was selected from more than 300 top professors nominated by their
colleges and universities across the United States. The award was presented at a special ceremony held in Washington, D.C. This is the first time that a Champlain College professor has been selected for this national honor.
The U.S. Professors of the Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country---those who excel as teachers and influence the lives and careers of their students. It is recognized as one of the most prestigious awards honoring undergraduate teaching.
"What an extraordinary honor for Gary Scudder and Champlain College. This is an important first for our College," said President David F. Finney.
"Gary is an outstanding professor," noted Elizabeth Beaulieu Dean of the Core division, "he has an amazing gift and our students are lucky to have him." He is continuously stretching the limits of cultural immersion in the class room, she noted.
Scudder works extensively with the Core division's Global Modules, an online international discussion forum for Champlain students. In Scudder's classes, students hold discussions with students from universities around the world, in places like Moscow and Dubai to help undergraduate students actively engage in discussions about global
issues and develop a worldwide perspective.
Past Vermont winners have included John Elder, professor of English and Environmental Studies at Middlebury College in 2008; David Mindich, professor and Chair of Journalism and Mass Communication at Saint Michael's College in 2006, Sunhee Choi, professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Middlebury College in 2005 and Susan Dinitz, lecturer of English at the University of Vermont in 2004.
John Lippincott, president of CASE, said the 2010 national and state winners were selected for their commitment to student learning, their use of creative teaching methods and their outreach to the larger community.
"While these professors come from different disciplines and different kinds of institutions, they share a passion for teaching and a dedication to helping their students succeed within and beyond the classroom," Lippincott said. "They emphasize learning not just teaching, inspiring not just professing and exploring not just explaining. In
short, they are exceptional representatives of a noble profession."
Judges selected Scudder along with 45 other state winners based on four criteria; their impact on students; their contributions to education in the institution, community and profession; their scholarly approach to teaching; and their support for colleagues and current and former undergraduate students.
"I am immensely honored and humbled by this award. I'm a teacher and that is my first love, this recognition makes me want to work even harder for my students in the future," Scudder said. "This award is truly an award for everyone at Champlain College. It is recognition of all of our hard work and how far we've progressed on our mission of becoming an institution of academic excellence."
The U.S. Professors of the Year Award Program was created in 1981 to increase awareness of the importance of undergraduate instruction at all types of higher education institutions. The program recognizes faculty members for their achievement as undergraduate professors and isco-sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Carnegie Foundation. One winner is chosen from each
state, and then four national winners are selected from among the finalists.
"Gary has influenced literally thousands of students through the Global Modules program, and many Champlain students have had the privilege of
having him in class. Still others experience him, this year, daily at the Quarry Hill student residence, where he models living and learning and even cooking. His impact has been felt on the Champlain campus for a decade, and we look forward to the many ways he'll continue to contribute to our community. I know that I speak for everyone when I say that we are honored to work side-by-side with such a gifted educator," added Robin Abramson, Champlain's Provost and Chief Academic Officer.