Mary Lowe, associate professor of religion, for Excellence in Teaching

Of his colleague, associate religion professor Jeremy Myers wrote, “Mary clearly deserves this award. I consistently hear students rave about her as an instructor. She has very high expectations of her students and she is exceptional at communicating these expectations, establishing a strategy for moving the students towards those expectations, and working extremely hard with her classes and individual students to help them meet those expectations. …Mary loves to teach and she works very hard to be an effective teacher.”

James Vela-McConnell, professor of sociology, for Excellence in Mentoring and Scholarship

Diane Pike, chair of the Sociology department, writes about Vela-McConnell: “For the past decade, Professor Vela-McConnell has worked closely and diligently with dozens students in URGO projects, McNair projects, social psychology independent studies, the service learning research in Soc 390, and as partners in the research in his most recent book. This particular area of strength in developing student learning through intense partnerships is exemplary both in the quantity of students served and the quality of the work produced.  As a department and an institution, we benefit significantly from the effort and skill James shares with our students.”

The CTL awardees will be recognized at the Faculty Luncheon on May 3. Congratulations!

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For Excellence in Teaching—Timothy Pippert [left], associate professor of sociology (who will deliver the address at opening convocation in September 2011)

For Excellence in Mentoring and Advising—Cass Dalglish [middle left], professor of English, and Cheryl Leuning [right], professor of nursing

For Excellence in Scholarship—Nancy Steblay [middle right], professor of psychology

Garry Hesser, profesor of sociology, nominated his colleague, Tim Pippert, for the Excellence in Teaching award. In part, Garry wrote, “In addition to his consistent excellence in teaching a wide range of courses…my additional reason for nominating [Tim] is his continual effort to bring his students into ‘high impact’ experiences, most notably this past semester when he created a special topics course on social inequality, creating ways that our students can explore both ‘ends’ and the continuum of wealth and privilege/poverty in our community… This course was simply illustrative of the consistent and exceptional quality of teaching that Tim brings to his work that merits this recognition.”

Student Kaaren Warnes notes, “Tim’s passion for the subject, as well as its implications for the world outside of the classroom, ignited our passions for the subject as well. Tim’s teaching methods, his passion, his accessibility, and his concern for his students make him a deserving recipient for the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching award. I am truly honored to have had Tim Pippert as a teacher, mentor, and adviser.”

In speaking of Cass Dalglish, recipient of an Award for Excellence in Advising and Mentoring, colleague Doug Green states, “Cass has been a model and a mentor to creative writers through the example of her own life as an active writer and artist….Over the past 10 years, I’ve been witness to Cass’s one-on-one mentoring and advising of novice journalists and creative writers. She has helped many seniors and graduates apply to and enter MFA programs.” Doug adds, “I can’t imagine our department and programs without Cass’s thoughtful presence and fierce advocacy on behalf of our literary artists and journalists…. And regardless of whom she is working with and mentoring, Cass evinces an infectious love of literature and the craft of the writer.”

An Augsburg alum, Andrea Sanow was mentored by Cass in the writing of a novel. Andrea notes, “Cass was my cheerleader, my coach, my therapist, my friend, my dictionary, my enemy and most importantly, my antagonist.”

Of Cheryl Leuning, recipient of an Award for Excellence in Advising and Mentoring, DNP student Deb Schumacher states, “Cheryl is an exceptional woman and leader. She is uniquely able to be gentle and caring, yet with her astute analytical perspective she is simultaneously able to be clear in her vision of excellence for herself and those around her. She is also extremely fair, open-minded, and inclusive…pursing diversity of ideas and perspectives. Cheryl opens up students’ worlds and encourages us all to be our best, to bring out our greatness to share with the world – either in our own backyard (locally) or in the grandness of the world (globally).”

Cheryl’s colleague, Sue Nash agrees, “Cheryl helps students understand the unique role that the Augsburg graduate can play in offering care to diverse populations. I think Cheryl’s greatest contribution to Augsburg has been the design and implementation of our unique Masters of Nursing and now the doctoral program that truly embodies the core Augsburg values of critical thinking, justice, and community involvement in a diverse global society. In this way, she has advised and mentored us all.”

Nominated by colleagues David Matz and Bridget Robinson-Riegler, Nancy Steblay is the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Scholarship. Of Nancy’s work, David and Bridget write, “Nancy possesses an impressive publication record by any standard. Since arriving at Augsburg, she has published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles – most as lead author…. In recognition of her scholarship record, Nancy has been invited to serve on journal editorial boards and is sought after as an expert in her field.” Further, they note, “Nancy has been a tireless promoter of scholarship among students and faculty at Augsburg.”

Former student Robert Tix agrees, “Dr. Steblay created so many different opportunities for me at Augsburg. She gave me an outlet for my scientific curiosity, whether that was helping with her research or conducting my own. She gave me an opportunity for critical thought and actual application on a continual, everyday basis. More important…was the opportunity she gave me to understand my own immense potential.”

This year’s recipients will be recognized at Honors Convocation on April 15 and at the Faculty Recognition Luncheon on May 5. We also will celebrate the accomplishments of both the recipients of Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning and Staff Recognition Awards at Community Time on April 26 at 3:45 p.m. in the East Commons.

Please join us in congratulating the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards!

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Professor Robert Cowgill of the Department of English, Excellence in Teaching

Bob Cowgill is a brilliant teacher who is held in high regard by his students and colleagues. A University of Minnesota alumnus, Bob’s primary purpose in teaching is to help students understand their full humanity, and to understand themselves as artists. He is recognized by his students for creating a classroom environment that is intellectually challenging, respectful, and fun. His colleagues marvel at his command of the art of teaching; his students never forget him and Augsburg would not be the same without him.

Professor Benjamin Stottrup of the Department of Physics, Distinguished Mentoring and Advising

There is a sense of pride among the students who work in Ben Stottrup’s physics lab that is palpable. They are working hard at a very high level because Ben creates a quality learning environment that is both challenging and supportive. He is recognized for his ability to effectively mentor both novice and skilled student researchers. An alumnus of the University of Minnesota-Morris and the University of Washington, Ben is dedicated to helping students realize their potential as they prepare for graduate school or industry.

Professor Diane Pike of the Department of Sociology, Distinguished Academic Leadership

Diane Pike, former Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, has made innumerable contributions to Augsburg College as teacher, scholar, and dedicated citizen. An alumna of Connecticut College and Yale University, Diane’s creative vision for faculty and staff development has enriched our campus community tremendously and shaped our understanding of the scholarship of teaching. Her leadership role in developing the Augsburg Core Curriculum stands out among her many accomplishments.

Professor Frankie Shackelford of the Department of Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies, Distinguished Academic Leadership

Frankie Shackelford is best known to Augsburg’s newest faculty members as the co-leader, along with Bruce Reichenbach and Tom Morgan, of the two-year orientation seminar sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Exploring Our Gifts program. She is a trusted coach and mentor to seminar participants. An alumna of Texas Christian University and the University of Texas, Frankie is known to the entire Augsburg community for her leadership of countless initiatives that have made a significant difference in the academic life of the college, including the First-Year Experience Program, Augsburg Seminar, Learning Communities, Faculty and Staff Development, and the Peace Prize Forum. She is an extraordinary teacher and scholar who personifies Augsburg’s motto, Education for Service.

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