History Named Inaugural Recipient of the Daniel E. Ferritor Award for Departmental Excellence in Teaching

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The University of Arkansas Teaching Academy and the Office of the Provost recently announced the Department of History in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences as the inaugural recipient of the Daniel E. Ferritor Award for Departmental Excellence in Teaching. A faculty committee made the selection based on applications submitted by academic departments last fall. 

The history department was selected because of its sustained commitment to high-quality teaching, student learning, faculty development, and student success. The department will receive a one-time $10,000 supplement to its operating budget and a permanent trophy, as well as having the unit name placed on a traveling university plaque housed in the department for a year. Formal recognition of the history department will occur with an award presentation during Faculty Appreciation Week at a reception the evening of Thursday, April 13.

According to Calvin White Jr., chair of history, "The award represents the recognition by our colleagues of the outstanding job our faculty and graduate students do in the classroom on a daily basis. Our department has always prided itself on not only conducting great research, but also having effective teachers and mentors inside and outside of the classroom.  However, a great deal of credit must be given to University Professor Jeannie Whayne who chaired the committee responsible for the winning packet."   

John Pijanowski, president of the Teaching Academy helped present the award, "We often think of teaching as a solitary activity, but when colleagues emphasize great teaching and make an effort to share ideas and support each other, it creates a dynamic culture that is infectious. The history faculty are excellent ambassadors for building a culture of great teaching on campus."

The departmentwide teaching award is named in honor of former Chancellor (1986-1997) and interim Chancellor (2015) Daniel E. Ferritor in recognition of his longstanding commitment to students and faculty and his consistent support for excellence in teaching and learning at the University of Arkansas. The Teaching Academy, organized by Ferritor in 1988, seeks to advocate and represent teaching interests, promote and stimulate an environment of teaching and learning excellence, and encourage recognition and reward for exceptional teaching.