At the Aug. 29 general faculty meeting, Professor Wayne Woodward was named the 2006-07 United Methodist Church University Scholar/Teacher of the Year.
Woodward has been a full-time faculty member since 1981 and is currently serving as chair of the statistical science department. In addition to his teaching record, Woodward has co-authored three books.
“I know other people who are doing the same thing out in the field working in I.T. and they’re counting their days to early retirement,” said Woodward of other statisticians. “In my case – I’m 60 – and I can’t see myself retiring. I just enjoy what I do.”
He has received many professional and academic awards in his career, and most recently received the Don Owen Award in 2004. It is a prestigious award given to a statistician who has excelled in research, statistical consultation and service to the statistical community, said Dick Gunst, in the speech he prepared about his colleague at the general faculty meeting.
“He fills all of the teaching and research qualifications to receive the award,” said Dean Caroline Brettell. In 2003, Woodward’s peers elected him as the University Distinguished Teaching Professor.
“The University Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award is established… for the purpose of recognizing outstanding faculty members for their dedication and contribution to the learning arts and to the institution,” according to a memo from the UMC General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
The award is given by the UMC GBHEM, but the organization allows each United Methodist-affiliated university to choose the recipient of the award based on the university’s criteria, said Dr. Wanda Bigham, the organization’s assistant general secretary for schools, colleges and universities.
However, the organization lists five selection criteria in its memo to universities. The criteria include: “demonstration of exceptional teaching;” “recognized concern for student and colleagues and sensitivity to the mission of the church-related university;” “a record of significant contributions to the scholarly life of the university;” “commitment to high standards of professional and personal life” and “special attention should be given to women and ethnic minority professors.”
The provost’s office solicits nominations from each of the colleges and the subsequent nominations and letters of recommendation are forwarded to the provost. The provost then makes the decision in concert with the assistant provosts, said Arlene Zalkovsky, coordinator of faculty and administrative affairs in the provost’s office.
“I have a richer knowledge of the faculty members themselves and am informed about the work they do – I make it my business,” said Tom Tungst, who served as interim-provost for the 2006-07 academic year when Woodward was chosen.
The UMC GBHEM also provides each recipient with a “grant” of varying amounts, said Bigham.
According to Wikipedia, “Most grants are made to fund a specific project and require some level of reporting.”
However, Woodward said that the $2,000 monetary award was “just a part of [his] August paycheck,” and was not given any regulations or guidelines on how the money should be spent.
