This year’s winners of the Presidential Teaching Professorships come from dramatically different disciplines, but all three share traits in common, the most impressive of which is that they don’t just impart information to students.
They also change lives.
Selected for the honor were: Toni Tollerud, of the Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education; Dan Gebo of the Department of Anthropology; and Dave Changnon who teaches meteorology in the Department of Geography.
Each has legions of students eager to tell the stories of how these teachers opened their eyes to new vistas, exposed them to new challenges and motivated them to achieve goals they never dreamed could be within their reach. Similarly, their colleagues praise the work of these individuals in the classroom, speaking with admiration of their ability to inspire, energize and mold students.
“We are justifiably proud of the work our faculty does when it comes to research and service, but at the heart of our mission lies teaching. All three of these individuals are truly gifted teachers and their work in the classroom brings great honor to the university,” Provost Ray Alden says. “They typify the excellence found throughout our teaching ranks and will serve as a tremendous example for all those who aspire to excellence in the classroom.”
The NIU Presidential Teaching Professorships were established in 1991 to recognize and support faculty who excel in the practice of teaching.
Recipients of this award have demonstrated their commitment to and success in the many activities associated with outstanding teaching. The recipients receive budgetary support and release time for the enhancement of their teaching skills.
After four years as a Presidential Teaching Professor, each of these eminent faculty members is designated a Distinguished Teaching Professor.
David Changnon
Department of Geography
Dan Gebo
Department of Anthropology
Toni Tollerud
Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education