Monday, November 16, 2009
Standing in front of a sold-out crowd at the Kansas-Nebraska football game Saturday, six finalists listened for their names.
As Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little announced the winner and the other finalists began to clap, Matthew Buechner had yet to recognize his name. Completely astonished, Buechner blankly looked around until the weight of winning the award actually set in.
Buechner, associate professor of molecular biosciences, was announced as the winner of the Honor for an Outstanding Progressive Educator Award during the first quarter of Saturday’s football game at Memorial Stadium.
“I’m floored that the students voted for me,” Buechner said. “I was among some fantastic teachers, and I am completely surprised that I won.”
The HOPE Award, which was established by the Class of 1959, is the only honor given exclusively by students recognizing teaching excellence.
“The award is important because it’s from our students, which, at the end of the day, are our customers,” Kelly Welch, HOPE Award finalist and lecturer in business, said. “We’re trying to better serve them in a way that will benefit them 10 to 20 years down the road.”
The senior class sent nominations via e-mail, and the six faculty members receiving the most nominations were interviewed by the representatives of the Board of Class Officers and its Senior Advisory Board. In addition to Buechner, the other finalists were Kerry Benson, lecturer in journalism, Mark Gerard Haug, lecturer in business, Diane Nielsen, associate professor of education, Kelly Welch, lecturer in business, and Misty Schieberle, assistant professor of English.
“It feels absolutely amazing,” Schieberle said. “It’s a sign that I’m doing things right and it motivates me to do well and continue to meet my students’ needs.”
Although students complete teaching evaluations at the end of each semester, the HOPE Award is public recognition of the teacher’s ability. This is Buechner’s third time to be nominated, and he said he recognized how multiple classes had appreciated his teaching efforts.
“Biology courses have the reputation for being dull and difficult. I try to find a way to bring the subject to life,” Buechner said. “I have been very lucky to have classes where I connected really well with my students. I get so excited about the material. I try to focus on teaching in a way that makes them excited about science, too.”
Schieberle, who is in her second year at the University, said she felt honored to be a finalist because students recognized her. She expressed the importance of evaluating oneself as a teacher.
“The award is critical for faculty in the way it reminds us that students are reflective of their education,” Schieberle said. “It’s their opportunity to give feedback on the impact we’ve had, to show we’ve taught them something they can use beyond their time at KU.”
Buechner said that he felt greatly honored to win the award and that it had been a humbling experience. He said the only way to express his gratitude would be to say thank you to the students who found him memorable and took something away from his class.
“He has a passion for what he teaches and for his students,” Lindsay Pruitt, Overland Park sophomore and one of Buechner’s students, said. “He truly cares about his students and wants them to learn, succeed and do well. He should feel very proud of himself for what he’s accomplished and that his hard work is recognized.”
Schieberle and Welch both said that being nominated meant a great deal to teachers and although the process was anonymous, they wished they could express their gratitude directly to the students who had nominated them.
“Thank you, it truly means a lot to me,” Schieberle said. “I’m incredibly grateful to the students. It reminds me why I do this.”
Follow Abigail Bolin at twitter.com/abby_rhode.
— Edited by Abbey Strusz
Scholarship named in honor of honors lecturer
The Mary A. Klayder Scholarship was donated by professor of English Bernard ...
Journalism lecturer earns student recognition
Denise Linville won the H.O.P.E. award on Saturday, and will be recognized ...
Popular lecturer goes beyond requirements
Edward McBride offers help sessions in calculus and physics.
Professor brings fun to classroom
Craig Martin’s methods may seen unconventional to his 1,000 students in Budig ...
HOPE Award winner loves job
Since coming to teach at the University of Kansas in 2003, Edward ...
Senior’s journey not over yet
Graduate architecture course recognized
Graduate Design Studio VII will receive an Education Honor Award from American ...
Roesler: Reed more than a basketball player
Senior guard Tyrel Reed isn't just a start basketball player, but also ...
Honors Western Civ classes reorganized
The department will remove volunteer teachers from the program to follow national ...
James Gunn’s science fiction offers brave new ...
The professor emeritus of English has taught at University for decades, published ...
Shortage of teachers becoming a problem
Certain programs continue to be implemented to help the School of Education ...
Good afternoon, class
Harry Schaffer, professor of economics, has been teaching at the University since ...
Center for Sustainability seeks award nominees
The KU Center for Sustainability is looking for nominees for its first ...
Students from residence halls honored
The top 5 percent of students in terms of GPA were honored ...
12 KU students join Teach for America ...
The non-profit group aims to end educational inequality in the United States.
Graduate student wins music award
Alumnus wins Emmy for ‘Heroes’
Chris Martin, 2003 graduate, won the award for special effects this month.
Rothman: Simien's "23" retired
Wayne Simien visited Allen Fieldhouse to remember his time at Kansas
Freshman finalist at MTV Video Awards
Students can vote online to help classmate win Moonman.
‘Sesame Street’ celebrates 40 years
University students and alumni have ties to the educational children’s show.
Awards honor student leaders
The University Daily Kansan, Kansan.com win awards
Two University of Kansas publications came home from the 86th annual National ...
Textbook rental could soon be an option
Professors and students look to start a rental program to make textbooks ...
Professor receives Grammy nomination
Koenig, a professor in the department of music and dance, stacks up ...
Budget cuts hinder academic programs
Reduced course offerings make it tougher for students to graduate on time.
Fellowship doles out big bucks
Seven teachers were awarded checks of appreciation from the W.T. Kemper Fellowship ...
Informal treatment may help tune out stress
Students can use music therapy methods to help with everyday problems.
Award recognizes students dedicated to service
Service award in honor of former Chancellor Hemenway will be given out ...
Arabic and Islamic Studies becomes major
Increase in popularity of Arabic and Islamic culture classes spurs the creation ...
Former journalism students honored in Hearst awards
Two former University of Kansas journalism students were awarded Hearst Awards
Bringing Broadway to Kansas
Actor Andre De Shields talked to theatre students about the acting industry, ...
ROTC midshipman honored with award
Senior Christian Jensen received one of eight Legion of Valor Bronze Cross ...
Professors use video conferencing in classes
Students at Edwards Campus are able to watch lectures at Lawrence campus.
Chairman defends Bush’s policies
School of Journalism receives Hearst Awards
Students received a combined $5,000 in awards.
Beyond the Syllabus
Just like Mr. Belding, teachers can struggle with the thin line between ...
Angel Morris honored, Coach Self to hold ...
Assistant coach Kurtis Townsend expresses his gratitude for Angel Morris's support.
Spanish, Portuguese receive prize
The department of Spanish and Portuguese won a $10,000 award from The ...
Students and professors receive Men of Merit ...
The award recognizes individuals who give back to the community and positively ...
Forget the apple
Give your teacher a chili pepper: the Rate My Professor phenomenon.
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
KUnited presidential candidate Libby Johnson and vice presidential ...
1 comment
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID