The Distinguished Teaching Awards, sponsored by the Kent Alumni Association, are intended to recognize excellence in teaching at Kent State University. Winners for 1997 will be honored at a reception Oct. 10. The reception and presentation ceremony will be held in the Student Center Kiva Auditorium at 4:30 p.m. as the completion of the University Teaching Council Conference. This year's three DTA recipients include Charles H. Baker, Nancy M. McCracken and Stuart P. Taylor. Each winner will receive a $1,500 cash award.
Charles H. Baker, Associate Professor of Music
An Akron resident and member of the Kent music faculty since 1977, Baker is a highly sought after soloist, lecturer and conductor. After a distinguished stint in the military, including membership in the both the 19th U.S. Army Band and the 1st Air Cavalry Division Band, Baker was a respected private and class music instructor in several Ohio secondary schools. Since joining the Kent Music Department, Baker has conducted both Kent jazz ensembles and has shared his unique insights with a diverse selection of groups both on and off campus, including musical groups at seven major Midwestern colleges and universities and more than 20 area high schools.
"He always calls upon all of us to rise to the occasion and display how we are progressing, and he kindly tells us what we need to do if there is a problem. If there is a teacher on this campus I can talk to about anything, it is Chas Baker."
Nancy M. McCracken, Secondary English Education Program Coordinator
Since bringing her talents to Kent in 1987, McCracken has become an integral part of the Teaching, Leadership and Curriculum Studies faculty. Prior to her arrival, McCracken compiled an impressive resume as both a high school and collegiate instructor. She has since become a noted author, having contributed to myriad textbooks, periodicals and scholarly journals. McCracken, a Lake Milton resident, is also noted for her involvement with many national, state and University subcommittees including the Kent Faculty Advisory Committee, Doctoral Admissions Committee and the Student Academic Grievance Committee at the local level, as well as the National Council of Teachers of English and the National Writing Centers Association nationally. McCracken was recently honored as the 1997 Ohio Outstanding University English Language Arts Educator by the Ohio Council Of Teachers Of Language Arts.
"Dr. McCracken makes me feel like she shares my excitement in my projects. Not only does she thrive in my accomplishments, she inspires me to do more than I ever dreamed I could!"
Stuart P. Taylor, Professor, Department of Psychology
After earning his doctorate at the University of Massachusetts, Taylor became a valued member of the Kent community in 1966. Since then, he has represented the University at many national symposiums, including the Symposium on Alcohol and Aggression for the Center of Alcohol Studies at Rutgers University in 1992, and the Symposium on Drugs, Crime and Violence in Washington, D.C.
Taylor, an Akron resident, is also a well-known author, having published more than 60 articles in such renowned periodicals as The Journal Of Psychology and Personal and Social Psychology Bulletin.
"His lecture style is enthusiastic, clear and humorous. He is a highly sought-after lecturer. Year in and year out, both undergraduate and graduate students have rated Dr. Taylor very highly."
Other finalists for this year's awards were Lovejoy Das, mathematics, Tuscarawas Campus; John Logue, political science; David Odell-Scott, philosophy; Nancy Padak, Teaching, Leadership and Curriculum Studies; Robert West, Journalism and Mass Communication; Christine Worobec, history; and Thomas Yantek, political science.