2012 Provost Report.Indd

PROVOST’S REPORT 2011 - 2012 .Each year, Elon University takes time to recognize, refl ect on, and take pride in the accomplishment of its exceptional faculty Table of Contents through the pages of this report. As stated in the opening lines of The Elon Commitment and illustrated in, for example, recognitions by NSSE and U.S. News & World Report, Elon University is clearly recognized as a national model of engaged learning. That achievement is built on the cornerstone of the teacher-scholar ideal embraced by Elon’s Publications 6 deeply dedicated, intellectually engaged faculty. Elon University is recognized, year after year, for excellence in undergraduate Presentations 18 research, senior capstone experiences, academic challenge, and excellence in undergraduate education. The University is one of only seven private universities in the nation with accredited schools of law, Artistic Exhibitions business, communications and education along with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, which & Performances 32 promotes the liberal arts and sciences. Such accomplishments and indicators of excellence refl ect and rely on a superb faculty. This annual report is one opportunity we have to refl ect on and celebrate the excellence of the The Elon faculty as a whole and the accomplishments Teacher-Scholar 35 of individual faculty of the University. “The faculty’s ability to model intellectual engagement,” as explained in the Teacher- Scholar statement, “is based on their intentional and continual development as professionals.” Through their own ongoing, active scholarly and creative activity, faculty model intellectual engagement and stay on the cutting edge of their fi elds of expertise. Elon faculty members are committed to advancing the state of knowledge and understanding, and as such they are actively involved in scholarship. As we continue to affi rm our place among colleges and universities known for academic excellence and exceptional student achievement, let us recognize and celebrate together the ongoing intellectually engaged work of the Elon faculty, teacher-scholars truly committed to excellence. Steven D. House Provost/Vice President for Academic Aff airs Distinguished Scholar Award Toddie Peters Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies Daniels-Danieley Award David Copeland Professor of Communications and Director of the Master of Arts in Interactive Media Program t’s not often that a professor would ask He came to Elon 11 years ago as the A.J. and he has established both the record eing a successful scholar means Among other things, she has written a as book selection for church book groups his students to prepare the syllabus as Fletcher Professor of Communications. A and reputation at Elon to merit joining more than publishing a certain book and edited three more, published around the country. part of their coursework. prolific author, he has edited an eight- the distinguished list of recipients of number of papers every year. 11 book chapters, taught and mentored volume series on American war reporting the Daniels-Danieley Award,” an Elon scores of undergraduates, presented at Peters has a master of divinity, master IIt’s also uncommon for a professor to and written several books, including The colleague says. BJust ask Toddie Peters, associate national and international conferences, of philosophy and doctoral degree in find the time to do mock job interviews Idea of a Free Press: The Enlightenment professor of religious studies and chair and served on ecumenical councils and Christian ethics from the Union Theology with his students or to hold the honor of and Its Unruly Legacy, published in 2006 Copeland brings an outstanding of the Department of Religious Studies, commissions. She has also become the go- Seminary. Her second book, Solidarity putting together “the most compelling” by Northwestern University Press. background to the classroom. Prior to who received the 2012 Elon University to person within the field of Christian social Ethics, which deals with how Christians PowerPoint presentations students have earning his doctoral degree in mass Distinguished Scholar Award. ethics when it comes to addressing issues and others living in the first world can live ever seen. He received Elon’s Distinguished Scholar communications research from the facing the church and the world. integrity in a globalized world, is being Award in 2006 and in 2010 was honored University of North Carolina at Chapel “My philosophy of scholarship incorporates considered for publication. Uncommon, but not impossible. with a lifetime achievement award from Hill and teaching communications four complementary tasks: writing and Peters began her career at Elon in 2001 the American Journalism Historians at the university level, he worked as a publishing, teaching and mentoring, as the Distinguished Emerging Scholar of The recipient of countless internal and David Copeland is such a professor and Association, the highest honor the sports editor in Elizabeth City and Wake service to the profession and service to Religious Studies. Two years later, she won external grants, Peters has received many the recipient of the 2012 Elon University association bestows upon its members. Forest, N.C.; taught in the public schools society,” Peters says, adding that each the Trinity Prize for her book, In Search of honors, , including the Jepson Dissertation Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence in in Edenton and Camden, N.C.; and aspect is essential to her formation as a the Good Life: The Ethics of Globalization, Award and Gustavus Myers Award. She Teaching. Before coming to Elon, he taught earned his master of divinity and master “holistic scholar.” which was lauded by renowned has served as chair of the Southeast at Emory & Henry College, where Commission on the Study of Religion and Copeland is described by his colleagues of theology at Southeastern Baptist philosopher and critic Cornel West as “the the Carnegie Foundation for the A look at her accomplishments over the is currently president of the American and students alike as an extraordinary Theological Seminary. best treatment of the complex debate on Advancement of Teaching named him past decade certainly suggests that is the Academy of Religion, Southeast Region, good, caring, fair, professional and globalization by a religious ethicist now the Virginia Professor of the Year. case. and member of the Society of Christian inspirational teacher and mentor who available.” The book is widely used as a textbook in university classrooms as well Ethics’ board of directors. approaches teaching with humor and “Professor Copeland has been an elegant style. outstanding teacher for a long time, 2 3 Periclean Award for Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility Deborah Long Director of the Elon Academy and Professor of Education Ward Family Excellence in Mentoring Award Jim Donathan Associate Director of Academic Advising and Director of Academic Support ssociate director of academic meeting with them and monitoring keep going after their goals. He’s perhaps hen Deborah Long mentors, young researchers, practicing Colby College in 1970 with a degree advising and director of their progress even after a crisis has been the only adviser on campus who holds helped create the Elon professionals and support staff. She has in psychology she joined the Teacher academic support at Elon, averted. His kindness and compassion an early May picnic at his house each year Academy in 2007, she encouraged them to excel in their own Corps from 1971 to 1973. She earned a Jim Donathan lives to help have greatly impacted the lives of for the seniors who were in his class as had one goal in mind: initiatives, thus enriching lives beyond master’s degree in elementary education Astudents overcome any obstacles that countless students who throughout freshmen. Wto make college accessible to high school the 136 high school students who have from Virginia State University in 1973 and may derail them from achieving their the years have found themselves in students in the community who had enrolled in the program so far. worked as an elementary school teacher academic goals. tough academic situations. At least one “He’s the kind of person who will do financial need and/or no family history of in the Durham City School System from scholarship has been endowed to Elon in everything in his power to help his college. “Deborah has been the heart and 1973 to 1976. She obtained a doctorate in “He’s more than an academic adviser,” says honor of his mentoring. students be successful,” says a student. brains behind the Elon Academy,” say curriculum, instruction and educational a colleague. “He’s a role model for our “How he helps students create schedules “I’ve always been drawn to working with her colleagues. “She has worked leadership from the University of students. ... He also has high ideals and “No student who has crossed Jim’s path that balance and fit together needs, underserved students and families,” Long tirelessly to make the Elon Academy a Memphis in 1996. That same year, she expectations for student success.” forgets him, nor does he forget them,” requirements and goals is true art.” says. “When the opportunity came along comprehensive program that supports joined Elon’s faculty. says a colleague. “Many students, those to lead the Elon Academy, it felt really not only access to college but also Those who work closely with Donathan who experienced academic difficulty Outside the classroom, Donathan advised right.” success in college.” Long received the North Carolina College say he shows genuine care and concern and those who didn’t, realize that it was Elon’s chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order Personnel Association’s Outstanding for the students he advises, whether his mentoring, his willingness to invest for more than 10 years, service that Perhaps what Long did not realize at In recognition of her work with the Service in Support of the Student Affairs it is helping them change classes or his time in their future, that led to their earned him a national award in 2000.

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