The Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center recently welcomed Bill McComas as the September 2025 Wally Cordes Chair.

McComas is a Distinguished Professor and the Inaugural Parks Family Endowed Professor in Science Education. His career began as a secondary biology teacher in suburban Philadelphia, followed by a professorship at the University of Southern California. At the U of A, he teaches classes in educational research methods, curriculum design, the history and philosophy of science for science educators, issues in science education and advanced science teaching methods. He has delivered over 100 keynote speeches across the U.S. and internationally.

His Cordes Chair talk, titled "Don't Guess, Know When (and How) to Assess: Developing and Defending Your Assessment Philosophy," offered a compelling exploration of how thoughtful assessment practices can elevate teaching and learning. Drawing on decades of experience, McComas challenged faculty to rethink assessment not as a "necessary evil," but as a vital tool for student success. His presentation contrasted traditional assessment models with what he called enhanced assessment philosophies, emphasizing that effective assessment should be varied, frequent, relevant, timely and transparent. The talk was a reminder that when assessments are well planned, they do not just measure learning but also support it.

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About the Cordes Chair: The Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center recognizes six outstanding teaching faculty each academic year as Wally Cordes Chairs. Faculty are selected as Cordes Chairs because they embody the student-centered teaching excellence that late University Professor Emeritus Wally Cordes exhibited throughout his more than 40-year career at the U of A. 

About TFSC: TFSC invests in faculty excellence, promotes innovation in teaching and learning, and supports programs to advance student success. The center provides educational opportunities for faculty such as teaching and learning workshops, teaching symposia, and new faculty orientation. TFSC offers competitive teaching and learning grants for faculty, celebrates effective teaching with several awards and an awards reception, and promotes faculty-to-faculty mentoring through classroom observation. More information about TFSC can be found at their website or by following them on LinkedIn.