An assistant professor of poultry science was recently awarded the Golden Tusk Award from the U of A.

Adnan Alrubaye received the award last month, and it recognizes university members who go above and beyond for students and the campus community at large. The award recipients are selected by the Division of Student Affairs each year. Individuals are nominated for the award for advancing student success, supporting diversity and inclusion, and contributing to the campus community.

Alrubaye teaches courses in both the poultry science and biological sciences departments, and he serves as the associate director for the cell and molecular biology graduate program. His philosophy when it comes to working with students is to value their success as his own.

"I want to provide them with my maximum effort to help them succeed, because I see my students' success as my own success," Alrubaye said. "I try to use all the tools available at my disposal to provide students with the best learning experiences and to help them achieve their learning goals."

He encourages students to come meet with him if needed.

"I try to be flexible, open-minded and understanding," Alrubaye said. "I have an open door policy to allow students to come meet with me every time they need help."

One of these students still remembers Alrubaye's impact on her during her time in his class.

"Dr. Alrubaye continues to be the best professor I have ever had," said Caroline Jackson, poultry science junior. "He was an incredible instructor while I was his student, and he continues to be a mentor of mine. The way Dr. Alrubaye cares for his students and proves over and over that he will do whatever he can to help students succeed is unique and encouraging."

Ridhik Kalaiselvan, a senior majoring in biochemistry and economics, said Alrubaye went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"During those tough times, Dr. Al made himself available very late into the day, as well as accommodated students on short notice," Kalaiselvan said. "Although there were a lot of days where Dr. Al had a 16-hour workday, his live and recorded lectures never skipped a beat."

Alrubaye was honored with the award and thankful to be recognized for working with students.

"The Golden Tusk Award means a lot to me, because my students selected me to receive it," Alrubaye said. "Students are the biggest part of my job as a faculty member, and the fact that my students recognized my work means that they are satisfied with my performance. For me, every day that I help students and make a difference in their lives is a great day."

The Poultry Science Department is proud of Alrubaye's accomplishment and is glad to have him as part of the team.

"I feel that this is a very fitting award for Dr. Alrubaye, given his complete commitment to student instruction and student mentoring," said David Caldwell, director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and head of the Department of Poultry Science. "I have observed him delivering lectures in the classroom and he clearly cares a great deal about helping his students succeed. This award is particularly special when one considers that it was initiated by his students. I feel Dr. Alrubaye is very deserving of the many awards he has received for teaching and mentoring students."

Alrubaye has also received other awards for his contribution to students and academic success, including the U of A Imhoff Award for Outstanding Teaching and Student Mentorship, the Fulbright College Master Teacher Award, the Collis Geren Award for Excellence in Graduate Education, the Hoyt H. Purvis Award for Service in International Education and the U of A Most Outstanding Faculty Member from the U of A Associated Student Government.