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Faculty members exemplify excellence
Compiled by: Brooke Clay, Perkins, Okla.
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Connections between faculty, staff and students make the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources successful not only in academics but also job placement. Every few years, alumni have the opportunity to complete a survey about their experiences at Oklahoma State University while giving credit to faculty who made a direct impact in their collegiate careers.
"The survey allows alumni to give credit to a superior faculty member who made a difference in their collegiate experiences," said Cheryl DeVuyst, assistant dean of academic programs.
From the more than 50 CASNR faculty members who were identified by alumni, 12 received the 2008 Exemplary Faculty Award from the OSU Agriculture Alumni Association.
Kim Anderson
Agricultural Economics Professor
"Dr. Anderson made a positive impact in my life by implementing real-life experiences into the classroom," said Kirby Smith, Master of Agriculture graduate student. "Seeing the application of what I was learning allowed me to see the big picture. His class was the piece of the puzzle that helped me to connect the classroom to the work force."
Lou Anella
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Professor
"Dr. Lou Anella was one of my favorite professors during my time at OSU, and he always had a smile on his face," said Rachael Ramon, 2006 horticulture alumna. "I wish there were more professors like him."
Steve Damron
Animal Science Professor
"Dr. Damron has a genuine interest in student success and is always willing to go the extra mile to help students achieve their goals," said Sara Winterholler, animal science graduate student and alumna. "His dedication and passion for teaching are especially evident in his interaction and commitment to reaching out to the diverse needs of students."
Jerry Fitch
Animal Science Professor
"Dr. Jerry Fitch has been an instrumental part of my graduate college experience," said Kristi Bishop, Master of Agriculture graduate student. "His personable approach toward dealing with students is both friendly and supportive."
Sharon Ford
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lecturer
"Dr. Ford plays an integral role in the lives of biochemistry students at Oklahoma State University," said Travis Wolff, pharmacy student at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. "While her class requires a lot of effort, I can honestly say her class was one of the most learning-intense in my academic career at OSU.
Now working on my Doctor of Pharmacy, I am proud and confident in my biochemistry and molecular biology background. The effort she puts into connecting with students in her biochemistry teaching lab goes far above and beyond any college student's expectations."
Jeff Hattey
Plant and Soil Sciences Professor
"As an adviser, Dr. Hattey always pushes you to make you the best candidate for a job later on," said Jaben Richards, OSU graduate student. "As a teacher, his teaching style encourages critical thinking and makes learning fun."
Bob Kropp
Animal Science Professor
"Dr. Kropp continues to be one of the most influential people in my life," said Lindsay Allen, animal science alumna. "Not only does he challenge you academically, he challenges you to stretch the boundaries of your education."
Brad Morgan
Animal Science Professor
"Dr. Morgan is a very respected individual and relates very well to students," said Tanner Hopkins, animal science senior. "His sense of humor makes for an excellent learning environment in the classroom."
Bailey Norwood
Agricultural Economics Professor
"Bailey Norwood is not only a great teacher, because he makes his classes fun and exciting, but he is also extremely supportive of the departmental club, Aggie-X, and the national club, American Agricultural Economics Association," said Lindsey Cheek, agricultural economics alumna. "With Dr. Norwood's help and my involvement in these two activities, I developed qualities and experiences that helped me secure a job upon graduation. I know I would not have been as successful without him."
Joe Schatzer
Agricultural Economics Professor
"I first really got to know Dr. Joe Schatzer during my study abroad trip to England, Scotland and France during the summer of 2005," said Allison Hayes, residential life director at New Mexico State University. "I never knew how much he cared about students and how deeply he wanted them to learn until that trip."
Shelly Peper Sitton
Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership Associate Professor
"Shelly Sitton was a great inspiration in my life. Her work ethic and true compassion for the students she teaches helped shape my character," said Chris Kidd, an Oklahoma FFA adviser and agricultural communications alumnus. "She has a passion for her job, and that passion is evident in the way she advises, teaches and counsels her students — she truly cares."
Joe Williams
Agricultural Economics Professor
"Dr. Williams has been an excellent mentor for rural kids around the state and has been pivotal in their success at OSU," said state Rep. Lee Denney, an agricultural economics alumna.
2008 exemplary faculty members: Bob Kropp (back left), Jerry Fitch, Joe Schatzer, Jeff Hattey, Brad Morgan, Bailey Norwood, Shelly Peper Sitton (front left), Kim Anderson, Joe Williams, Lou Anella and Steve Damron. (not pictured: Sharon Ford)