Adams State University Presidential Teacher Award

Geographic Scope: Adams State University, Alamosa, Colorado

Focus Areas:

• Outstanding undergraduate teaching
• Student advising and mentoring
• Faculty excellence and student engagement

Program Description

Annual award acknowledging faculty dedication to their students and recognizing outstanding undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring. Now in its eighth year.

Award Categories

• Tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty awards (established)
• Affiliate Faculty Award (NEW - established in 2015-2016, now annual): For instructors, adjunct, and visiting faculty not on tenure track

Award Recipients (2015-2016)

Tenure-Track Faculty:

• Karen Adamson, Assistant Professor of Nursing
• Dr. Anicia Alvarez, Associate Professor of Teacher Education
• Dr. Nick Saenz, Assistant Professor of History

Affiliate Faculty Award (First Year):

• David Wreford, Adjunct Instructor of English

Benefits

Each Presidential Teacher receives:

• $1,500 to support professional development
• Opportunity to teach a special Presidential Teacher Course during next academic year

Selection Process

• Committee: Composed of undergraduate students and administrators
• Nomination: Open call to all undergraduate students to nominate professors
• Selection Criteria: Nominations reviewed; committee conducts interviews and classroom observations
• Contact: Dr. Michael Mumper, Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management/Program Development

Application Process

Nomination Process:

1. Adams State undergraduate students nominate professors
2. Professors nominated should exemplify what it means to be a great college teacher
3. Student selection committee reviews nominations
4. Committee conducts interviews and classroom observations
5. Award recipients selected based on evaluation

Committee Composition:

• Undergraduate student committee members (3 students)
• Administrative oversight by Dr. Michael Mumper, Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management/Program Development