News
Top of Her Class: Honorable Mention
Veronica Dujon is the first three-time winner, but six other teachers won the John Eliot Allen Outstanding Teacher Award for the second time in 2004—the most repeats ever. They are:
 |
Ken Ames, Anthropology
“His door is always open and he is always talking—how does he get anything done?” wrote one of his students. Students described him as supportive, accommodating, approachable, and considerate “inside that Einstein hair.” Ames received a good dose of quirky comments: “He’s full of it—in a good way. I can’t understand his random words on the board. He never erases; he just writes over the last words.” |
 |
Claudine Fisher, French
An outstanding, enthusiastic, challenging professor? Oui! Able to get her students to love her subject? But of course! And on top of it all, she is reported to be the best-dressed professor at PSU. “We love to see what she is going to wear.” She is also lauded for her deep appreciation for the arts, her motivation, and her passion for the French language. “She’s a role model for lifelong learning.” |
 |
Keith Hadley, Geography
Just what you’d want in a teacher: contagious enthusiasm, a love for students, dedication to teaching and research, and encyclopedic knowledge. Hadley was praised for giving excellent writing feedback, for being demanding, and for offering lots of his personal time. “He inspired me to refocus my interests,” wrote one student. |
 |
Ridwan Nytagodien, International Studies
Students reported what every teacher wants to hear: “He encouraged and inspired me. He was the most influential teacher I have had.” Nytagodien was described as challenging yet personable, with a knack for helping students to think critically. “He connects with students. I will take any class of his. He’s a stunning professor.” |
 |
Michael Phillips, Philosophy
Students extolled Phillips as a mentor whose door is always open and who takes great care in educating his students. His clear lectures, one said, “demonstrate excellent communication skills along with brilliant command of his material.” Another student said, “He takes great care in educating his students; he’s always willing to give extra help.” |
 |
Carl Wamser, Chemistry
“Easy” is not an adjective typically linked with organic chemistry, but students report that Wamser has the ability to make it so. He teaches the largest organic chemistry class at PSU, yet he always takes time for his students, they say. He’s friendly, yet challenging. “He holds himself up to the same high standards he sets for us,” one student wrote. |