Provost presents teaching awards to 3 faculty members

Chapel this week at Waynesburg University had an unexpected ending for a select few students and faculty members who were recognized for their contributions to the university.

On Tuesday, April 4, Provost Dr. Dana Baer presented the Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards to three faculty members voted on by students and fellow faculty. In addition to the professors, numerous students were issued awards based on scholastic and leadership accomplishments.

According to Baer, the awards given to the professors focused on three main attributes.

“The Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards are awarded annually,” said Baer. “One recognizes a faculty member with teaching excellence in introductory subjects; a second award recognizes a faculty member with a history of teaching excellence and the third award is given to a non full-time faculty member in any Waynesburg University subject.”

Jenny Jellison was given one of the awards based on her impact within the classroom, said Baer.

“This is what one student said [about Jellison,] ‘her attention to student interests is what makes all the difference, if I’m having a bad day, her class makes my day brighter. Quality teaching seems to come naturally to her – like breathing air,’” said Baer.

Jellison is a psychology professor who has been with the university since 2004. Hearing about the impact she has on students, said Jellison, is something she constantly strives towards.

“My students are my babies – if anything [the recognition] kind of felt like a giant hug,” said Jellison. “I love them so much, so its good that they feel that – that they feel like they love it. I loved what was said about my energy in the class and how one person said I make their day better, it’s incredible.”

Edward Powers, who teaches theatre classes and has been with the university since 2000, received the second Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Award. The dedication Powers has to the students, said Baer, highlights his impact on the university.

“[Powers] spends many 12 hour days, breaks and weekends on campus leaving well after 11 p.m. to prep and plan,” said Baer. “He works quietly behind the scenes to make the students stand out, he has dedicated his life to serving Waynesburg University through his creative endeavors teaching service and faith. He has led a theatre program, which is a credit to Waynesburg University and a significant cultural resource to Greene County. In short, [Powers] puts his heart and soul into every production.”

According to Powers, the award came to him as a complete surprise but was a confirmation of the responsibilities teachers hold.

“Its an honor. It was a surprise – one that I never expected to happen, but obviously we’re here to serve the students and the university,” said Powers. “We are doing this because we have to, it’s not just because it’s a job, we have to do this – a teacher has to do this. A teacher wakes up every morning and says ‘I have to be in that classroom, I have to be in that theater and if I don’t, I don’t exist.’ That’s sort of a little philosophy that I have.”

The final professor recognized for teaching excellence is a part-time chemistry professor Lurea Doody. Baer said Doody has an engaged dedication to her students.

“[Doody] was described as an excellent mentor, educator and scientist,” said Baer. “[Doody] engages students in multiple activities and lab experiments, she’s dedicated to work her work and no matter what you need – she is there for you.”