Atlanta — April 28, 2004

Three University System of Georgia faculty members and three USG academic programs will receive the 2004 Regents’ Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Research in Undergraduate Education at the Board of Regents’ May meeting.

The Annual Regents’ Awards program recognizes and rewards both individual faculty members and academic programs throughout the University System. It honors outstanding teaching that significantly improves student achievement, as well as commitment to effective teaching.

“The Regents’ awards exemplify the System’s goal of putting students first,” said Dr. Daniel S. Papp, senior vice chancellor for academics and fiscal affairs. “The University System of Georgia has placed increasing emphasis on the quality of student learning, which is closely correlated to the high quality of our faculty members.”

The following USG faculty members received the Board of Regents’ 2004 Teaching Excellence Awards:

Representing Two-Year and State Colleges:

Dr. Tonya Strickland, associate professor of English and reading, Waycross College: Dr. Strickland was recognized for her passion for teaching and the way she engages her students in a classroom atmosphere described as one of “creativity, joy and imagination.” Beyond her teaching, she is highly engaged in public service, conducting outreach activities in the K-12 schools around Waycross.

Representing Regional and State Universities:

Dr. Brian J. Corrigan, professor of English, North Georgia College & State University: Dr. Corrigan is known in the NGCSU community for having a positive impact on education in north Georgia. He is well respected on campus for his ability to inspire students through his enthusiasm for the discipline. He strives to help students reach their intellectual potential.

Representing Research Universities:

Conrad Fink, professor of journalism and mass communications, University of Georgia: Professor Fink is William S. Morris Chair of Newspaper Strategy and Management in the UGA Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications. He is known as a master teacher at UGA, one held in high esteem by both his colleagues and his students. A well-known authority in his area of journalism and mass communications, Fink has published numerous textbooks and articles.

The following USG programs received the Regents’ Award for Excellence in Teaching in a Department or Program:

Representing Two-Year and State Colleges:

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Middle Georgia College: This program, part of the Health Sciences, is known for continually improving its academic offerings through the careful analysis of data related to student learning. Graduating highly trained occupational therapists since 1996, the program offers graduates training to work in a variety of areas, from nursing homes and hospitals to school systems and rehabilitation facilities.

Representing Regional and State Universities:

Master of Science in Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University: Housed in Kennesaw State University’s Department of Political Science and International Affairs, this program is based on the Regents’ Alternative Dispute Resolution Initiative. The Master of Science in Conflict Management (MSCM) is designed to train students to be conflict-resolution practitioners in varied environments. The curriculum includes courses in theory, research, design skills and practice skills, and offers numerous field-study opportunities.

Representing Research Universities:

School of Modern Languages, Georgia Institute of Technology: Selection committee members cited the school’s 95 percent retention rate as a prime indicator of its excellence. This figure is particularly impressive for an institution known for its engineering and technology programs. The School of Modern Languages strives to integrate into technology and engineering units language that will help graduates compete in a global workforce.

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