Stephen F. Austin State University

"She holds herself to high standards."

"He encourages students to reach their full potentials."

"He has earned the friendship and respect of his students."

"He is dynamic and engages his classes."

These were some of the comments students made about the 2007 recipients of Teaching Excellence Awards who were honored recently at a convocation at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Leisha Bridwell of the College of Education, Dr. Kenneth Farrish of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Dr. Alyx Frantzen of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, Dr. Rick Jones of the College of Fine Arts, Dr. Doyle Srader of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, and Dr. Phil Stetz of the Nelson Rusche College of Business were selected to receive awards based on knowledge of subject matter, quality of lectures and assignments, enthusiasm for teaching, interest in and availability to students, sensitivity to learning environment and effectiveness as a teacher.

In the past, one teacher has been singled out for the honor of the university teaching excellence award recipient. But this year, winners from each college were recognized.

Dr. Tim Clipson, a member of the Teaching Excellence committee, said teachers from different colleges use different teaching styles with their students. This makes it difficult to select just one award recipient.

"Sometimes we're comparing apples and oranges," he said. "By honoring one teacher from each college, we're able to recognize more people and the different ways in which these teachers contribute to education."

Each award recipient shared their personal educational philosophies and favorite memories from their time in the classroom. At times their recollections were humorous, and at times they were poignant. Each of the teachers was animated as they described their passion for working with students.

SFA President Dr. Baker Pattillo said honoring faculty is one of the most important things a university can do. Although six teachers were honored with awards, Pattillo said he recognizes there are dozens more in each college who are deserving.

Pattillo said "honoring faculty is one of the most important things a university can do." Although six teachers were honored with awards, Pattillo said he recognizes there are dozens more in each college who are deserving.

Pattillo reminded those at the convocation that raising faculty salaries is a high priority to him. In the meantime, he said he wanted to take advantage of an opportunity to say "thank you" for a job well done.

Dr. Marlin Young, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said teaching is a 24-hour-a-day job.

"You're not just teachers when you're in the classroom," he said. "You entered this field willingly because you believe in young people. There will be setbacks at times that will try your patience but, just as certainly, there will be successes and rewards. Each of you has within you sparks of compassion, concern and love that drove you to become teachers in the first place."

Those sparks can be fanned into flames that provide warmth in the classroom to nurture students now, and later, Young said. He presented each of the award recipients with a check for $750.