Local professors honored by S.C. Independent Colleges, Universities

Converse, Limestone, SMC and Wofford professors receive awards

SPARTANBURG, SC – April 18, 2012 – Professors from Converse College, Limestone College, Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College are among the recipients recently of Excellence in Teaching awards presented in Columbia by South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc.

They are Dr. Edward C. Woodfin, associate professor of history at Converse; Dr. Ann Wyatt, professor of education and chair of the Department of Elementary Education at Limestone; Dr. Joseph D. Ongeri, professor of economics at SMC; and Dr. John Farrenkopf, associate professor of government at Wofford.

Woodfin (pictured right) joined the Converse faculty in 2005. A past Fulbright Fellow, he leads the college’s program to guide future recipients of such prestigious external scholarships and has mentored three Converse students who received Fulbright Awards. His forthcoming book, “Camp and Combat on the Sinai and Palestine Front: The Experience of the British Empire Soldier, 1916-18” (Palgave Macmillan), is anticipated this summer.

Converse President Betsy Fleming says, “Dr. Woodfin brings history to life and develops in his students the skills to understand the past in the context of the present. At a time when the validity of the liberal arts is being questioned within the public sphere, Dr. Woodfin cultivates a keen awareness of the relevance of history and works tirelessly to build students’ professional advancement through external scholarships.”

“Dr. Woodfin’s students encounter history in his courses in unforgettable ways,” adds Dr. Jeff Baker, vice president for academic affairs. “His demanding yet in-demand courses feature innovative and diverse approaches to teaching and learning. A visit to one of his classes — whether it is in a classroom building or outdoors in a hand-on engagement — reveals his teaching skill. He shows up in period costume, plays period music, and even serves period food, including World War I gruel so bad that some students consider it a badge of honor to say they have tasted it and survived.”

A Gaffney resident, Wyatt (pictured left) has taught at Limestone for 24 years. She served as director of teacher education and chair of the Teacher Education Committee for 12 of those years. She teaches courses in reading methods, social studies methods, history and philosophy of education, and principles of education.  Her students say her use of humor in the classroom makes her an effective teacher. She has received the Fullerton Award for Excellence in Teaching five times during her tenure at Limestone as recognition for her outstanding teaching abilities. She earned a bachelor of arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a master’s of arts in history from the University of Tennessee, a master’s in education in reading education from Clemson University, and a doctoral degree in reading education from the University of Georgia. She is a member of the International Reading Association, the National Council for the Teachers of English, and the Association for Childhood Education International.

Dr. Walt Griffin, Limestone’s president, says, “Dr. Wyatt is an excellent mentor not only to pre-service teachers, but to new and junior faculty as well. We at Limestone College are grateful for her dedication and leadership.”

“Dr. Wyatt’s energy and enthusiasm in the classroom make her an ideal role model for aspiring teachers,” adds Dr. Karen W. Gainey, vice president for academic affairs and executive vice president. “Her love of books is infectious, and she helps pre-service teachers understand how best to help young students develop their own appreciation for books and reading. Her recent participation with pre-service teachers in ‘Reading Across America’ at a local elementary school is just one example of her commitment to reading education.”

Ongeri (pictured left), who has been on the faculty at SMC since 2007, received his master’s degree from Purdue University and his doctorate from Pennsylvania State University. He says his “lifetime goal is to become a well-grounded educator in economics through research and knowledge dissemination,” pursuing that goal also as a lecturer of economics at Kenyatta University in Nairobi and his on-going research on effective college teaching. He says it is clear to him that “knowing the subject matter is one thing; yet, knowing how to present it to students is something else altogether.” He says the focus of his doctoral research and his continuing research interest – learner centered teaching – offers him the opportunity to ignite in his students an interest in the study of economics. His students actively participate in group projects, learn best when they see the relevance of the subject, and are motivated by his personal concern for their success, he says.

Dr. Colleen Perry, president of SMC, says, “Dr. Ongeri strives to put economic theory into practice on a daily basis in his classroom as a way to help his students more fully engage in the subject matter. Beyond this, he actively seeks out opportunities beyond the campus for his students to participate in so that they may more fully experience the field of economics. These are two characteristics of teachers who care and I know his students applaud his efforts.”

Farrenkopf (pictured left) joined Wofford community in 2006, attracted to the opportunities to teach government and international relations courses at a liberal arts college in the South. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in history from Trinity College, his master’s in government from Georgetown University and his Ph.D. in foreign affairs with an emphasis in international politics from the University of Virginia. He has been awarded three Fulbright appointments overseas along with several other professional honors and recognitions.

Dr. David S. Wood, academic dean and senior vice president for academic affairs, says, “Dr. Farrenkopf possesses the special combination of skills, intellect and commitment that so often characterizes the outstanding professor. “It comes as no surprise to us that he is admired and loved by students and colleagues alike. He personifies the essence of teaching at a liberal arts college with his passionate dedication as a teacher, adviser and mentor.”

“Wofford is a great place to teach and my experience has been very positive here,” Farrankopf says. “I have the privilege of teaching many bright and industrious students. I have the opportunity to learn from colleagues from various departments who are experts in their fields, enjoy various enriching cultural experiences and guest lectures on campus, and benefit from the assistance of a talented administration and staff.”

Each of the 20 member institutions of the SCICU consortium selects one faculty member each year to receive the award, which includes a professional development stipend for the professor.  Each recipient is chosen by his or her institution according to rigorous criteria.  The most important characteristic of the nominees is their demonstration of the highest standards in teaching methods that encourage students to strive for excellence in their studies and pursuits.

SCICU

SCICU was established in 1953 with the primary mission of promoting independent hi
gher education in South Carolina. SCICU seeks to advance independent higher education through fundraising, scholarships, research, and by facilitating collaborative activities among the 20 member institutions, which educate nearly 33,000 students each year. For additional information about SCICU, contact Mike LeFever or Brenda Torrance at 803-799-7122, or visit www.scicu.org.