Keeping the attention of 800 non-science majors in biology each semester. Teaching undergraduates to think independently. Unearthing a solution to cancer and infection. Measuring the effects of human activity on small ecosystems. James Elser, professor of biology in the School of Life Sciences (SOLS) at ASU, is all of this and more, and the reason why the ASU Parents Association named him the 2009 Professor of the Year.
Elser was honored at the Celebration of Teaching and Learning Excellence event on April 16 in front of more than 250 Arizona State University faculty, students, staff, administrators, parents and friends who gathered in the Memorial Union’s Arizona Ballroom. An ASU professor since 1990, he was chosen from 39 colleagues as a true element of change — dedicated to solving the challenges of our time and inspiring his students to do the same.
“Having worked with Jim for more than 20 years, I can say he is the kind of professor that you hope your own child will be fortunate to have,” said Charles Kazilek, director of technology integration and outreach in SOLS and Elser’s nominator. “His enthusiastic delivery of subject matter is clearly engaging for the students in his non-major biology class, a class of nearly 800 students per semester. By my count, since coming to ASU, he has taught over 12,000 undergraduate students.”
Kazilek also remarked that Elser is a true asset to the SOLS community as director of research and training initiatives, bringing in a substantial number of research activities to faculty and students. He also notes, “(Professor) Elser never forgets what gets most people interested in science — getting in touch with the beauty and wonder of the living world.” With this in mind, Elser established the SOLS Takes a Hike event, a series of guided hikes in local parks.
April 16’s reveal not only marked the culmination of more than four months of community collaboration to choose one top ASU Professor for this honor, but also the Parents Association’s 25th anniversary. Since 1984, this organization has supported student success, family togetherness and teaching excellence as evidenced by programs like the Professor of the Year award.
Professor of the Year is funded through an endowment through the ASU Parents Association. In addition to the prestigious designations, the Professor of the Year receives $20,000 — $10,000 of which funds undergraduate student assistance and is distributed over two years. In addition to Elser’s honor, the selection committee designated five additional nominees for special recognition for their teaching and scholarship, each of whom receives a $1,000 cash award.
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Eric Kostelich, professor, mathematics and statistics "Professor Kostelich’s love and major attention is improving the computational skills of students, undergraduate students in particular. He aims to make computation more employable, but also to give his students the tools to orient themselves in an increasingly technically sophisticated world." |
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José Náñez, professor, social and behavioral sciences "Simply stated, Professor José Nañez is a good man, a brilliant mind and an amazing humanitarian. He inspires students to think highly of themselves to become academically successful and productive citizens in their communities after graduation." |
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Shannon Ringenbach, associate professor, kinesiology "Professor Shannon Ringenbach is the most passionate professor I have encountered in my scholastic career. Phoenix Woman magazine acknowledged her as one of Arizona's leading women scientists in their Winter 2008 issue. She is a woman who embodies what I want to be in my near future." |
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Chell Roberts, chair and professor, engineering "Professor Chell Roberts maintains a focus on individual students. In fact, he cares more about students than anyone I have encountered. Although extremely busy as department chair, his door is always open to students and he continues to teach undergraduate classes. " |
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F. Miguel Valenti, Lincoln Professor of Ethics and the Arts, and the film and media production program director, film and theatre "At the core of Professor Valenti's classes is the advancement of mindful filmmaking — he challenges us to contemplate our options and the ethical implications of our choices. As his student, I have been motivated to imbue my work with professionalism and pride and to be an active student leader. He has supported and encouraged me throughout my academic career at ASU and mentored me through my internship." |
The other 33 nominees this year also set a high precedent for teaching at ASU and were applauded for their efforts at the event, as well. Navigate the Elements of Change graphic to view their contributions »
