Mount Allison to celebrate top teachers at 2013 Convocation
2013-05-08 14:48:23
SACKVILLE, NB — Five Mount Allison professors will be honoured during 2013 Convocation ceremonies, recognizing their outstanding contributions to teaching and research at the University. Physics professor Dr. David Hornidge, religious studies professors Dr. Fiona Black and Dr. Andrew Wilson, biochemistry and chemistry professor Dr. Tyson MacCormack, and international relations professor Dr. David Thomas will each receive awards.
Mount Allison University provost and vice-president, academic and research Dr. Karen Grant says, “The 2013 award winners’ commitment to their students is commendable and far-reaching. I am pleased to recognize this year’s recipients as part of our convocation ceremonies and congratulate all on a job well done.”
Physics professor and department head Dr. David Hornidge is this year’s recipient of the Paul Paré Medal. The Paul Paré Medal recognizes contributions of outstanding quality that demonstrate a balanced approach to teaching, research, scholarship, service, and outreach. Known as a “students’ professor,” Hornidge has developed a reputation for creating learning environments that are both challenging and supportive and has set new standards for rigorous laboratory analysis procedures. As an innovator and interdisciplinary thinker, Hornidge introduced a new course, The Physics of Music and the Physics Students’ Society has selected him twice as Physics Professor of the Year.
A leading researcher in the field of subatomic physics, Hornidge collaborates with a national and international network of physicists and has published in some of the leading academic journals in his field. He currently serves on the University’s Board of Regents and several university committees.
Religious studies professor Dr. Fiona Black is the recipient of the 30th Herbert and Leota Tucker Teaching Award, which recognizes outstanding teaching, educational leadership, and a scholarly approach to instruction. Black has led significant curriculum renewal in her department and teaches a wide range of different courses. Her classes are carefully planned and she enriches her teaching through thoughtful analysis of students’ feedback. In her popular introductory classes, Black focuses on developing students’ writing and analytical skills to better enhance student learning and experiences.
Three J.E.A. Crake Teaching Awards are also being presented this year. The Crake Teaching Awards, which are funded by the J.E.A. Crake Foundation, honour excellent teaching as well as participation in the scholarship of teaching and learning, such as innovations in teaching, academic advising, and attendance or presentations at teaching events. Up to three awards are presented each year. This year’s recipients are: Dr. Andrew Wilson (religious studies), Dr. Tyson MacCormack (biochemistry and chemistry), and Dr. David Thomas (politics and international relations).
Dr. Andrew Wilson’s thoughtful teaching philosophy focuses on the ways students connect learning the subject matter with learning how to learn. His classes are noted for their many innovative assignments and creative use of media in his teaching.
Even though he has been at Mount Allison for only a few years, Dr. Tyson MacCormack has quickly and profoundly made his mark in the biochemistry program. He has devised many innovative assignments and made a significant contribution to laboratory teaching. In their letters of support, students and colleagues describe him as “well-prepared, enthusiastic, and collegial.”
Dr. David Thomas has steadfastly built a strong foundation for international relations, one of Mount Allison’s most popular programs, and has developed many courses during his time at Mount Allison. His mentorship of students includes individual support and student advising that is accompanied by an impressive array of extracurricular initiatives, such as ATLIS (Atlantic International Studies Organization), CIS (Centre for International Studies), and Cinema Politica.
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