KU School of Education names Budig teaching award winners

LAWRENCE -- Suzanne M. Rice, associate professor of teaching and leadership at the University of Kansas School of Education, was named the ninth Gene A. Budig teaching professor in education at the school's convocation May 17.

In addition, Edward L. Meyen, professor of special education, was named the second Gene A. Budig teaching professor in special education.

Budig, the 14th chancellor at KU, established the awards to recognize outstanding teaching in the School of Education.

Rice, a member of the faculty for 10 years, has concentrated her interests in the foundations of education, including philosophy, ethics, moral education and policy.

One of Rice's students, when writing in support of her nomination for this award, said: "This professor's gentle, humble and cooperative classroom leadership is a surprising and refreshing display of personal strength."

Rice said: "I am truly honored to receive this award, especially when I think about the quality of previous recipients' teaching. I feel exceptionally fortunate to have colleagues who support my efforts to teach well and who serve as outstanding models for my teaching practices. I feel equally fortunate to have students who are eager to learn in general, and who invest the time and energy needed to undertake philosophical investigations of educational phenomena."

Meyen, a former dean of the School of Education, is the co-director of the e-Learning Design Lab at KU. He has served as director of the Online Academy at KU and as special counselor to the chancellor, executive vice chancellor and associate vice chancellor.

Meyen's focus is stated on his Web site: "Since the spring of 1997 I have been developing and teaching courses online which require no face to face interaction with students. This experience has influenced the focus of my research and my professional interests."

In the nomination for this award, a student wrote: "Teaching excellence is of extreme importance to him. ... His commitment to excellence in teaching is also reflected in his high levels of contact with students enrolled in his online courses."

Each Budig award recipient will present a formal lecture during the 2003-04 academic year and will receive an honorarium.

The education school also honored several faculty and staff members at the all-school banquet May 16.

Barb Menke, administrative assistant to the associate and assistant deans, received the 2003 Classified Staff Employee of the Year.

The 2003 Unclassified Professional Staff Employee Award was presented to Nan Harper, assistant director of the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service at KU.

Jim LaPoint, professor of health, sport and exercise sciences, received the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching.

The Faculty Achievement Award for Research was presented to Shane Lopez, assistant professor of psychology and research in education.

Ann Turnbull, professor of special education and co-director of the Beach Center on Disabilities, received the Faculty Achievement Award for Research.

Another special education professor, Tom Skrtic, received the Faculty Achievement Award for Service.

Flora Wyatt, assistant professor of teaching and leadership and director of the Professional Development School Alliance, received the Making a Difference Award, which is presented to a faculty member for trailblazing, visionary work that benefits students, the education school, and the fields of education and human services.