Five part-time faculty members at UNLV have been named recipients of the newly established Outstanding Teaching by Part-Time Faculty Award.
John Carlton of history, Chad Cross of environmental studies, Joe Lano of music, Nancy Matheny of tourism and convention administration, and Susan Rush Michael of nursing were presented plaques and $1,000 each. They were recognized for their achievements at the spring Honors Convocation ceremony.
A retired U.S. Army colonel, Carlton has taught at UNLV since 1996, specializing in U.S. history, including the nation's military history. In a nominating letter, history department chair Andy Fry said of Carlton, "He has compiled a truly exceptional teaching record. While listening to him (talk about Vietnam), it is apparent why students respond so positively. Although he brings a first-hand understanding as a Vietnam veteran, he also places his experience in an informed and larger historical framework and presents his observations in a measured, sensitive manner that encourages students to think about the issues and reach their own conclusions."
A nominating letter for Cross written by environmental studies professor Shawn Gerstenberger, stated, "In addition to being an excellent classroom teacher, his 'teaching' does not stop at the classroom door. Although Dr. Cross only holds a part-time appointment with our department, he actively serves on numerous undergraduate and graduate thesis and dissertation committees. His active involvement in student projects is not merely on paper. Dr. Cross holds regular meetings with each of these students to assist them with experimental design, statistical analysis, and finding unique ways to expand their ability to learn key concepts." Cross has taught at UNLV since 2000.
In nominating Lano for the award, music professor Thomas Warrington said that Lano, who is a guitarist, arranger, and orchestrator, does far more work than is required of a part-time faculty member and performs his extra responsibilities with "energy and enthusiasm. We are most fortunate to have such an accomplished artist on our part-time faculty. Joe has been a fixture of the Las Vegas music scene for many years, performing and arranging for many top-name celebrities. He is a highly respected professional, and his national reputation both as a performer and writer is a big plus for our jazz department at UNLV."
One of the people nominating Matheny for the award was UNLV student Aimee Brizuela, who said, "I am particularly impressed with her service, dedication, and teaching style as she nurtures her students' creativity and quest of knowledge. She welcomes all ideas and encourages participatory learning inside and outside her classroom. Her course offerings, for instance, allow students to work independently as well as collectively on fun and exciting projects about the event and entertainment industry for a maximum learning experience."
In nominating Rush Michael for the award, Carolyn Sabo, dean of the College of Health Sciences, said, "She works to expand student learning opportunities by developing new, professionally and socially relevant courses for nursing students (i.e. a new course in alternative/complementary medicine). Susan has utilized many creative and innovative teaching/learning tactics in her classes, which serve to further challenge and enhance the students' critical-thinking skills -- skills that are vitally important to nursing students." Rush Michael has taught at UNLV since 1985.
