Dauve receives Golden Apple Award

Rachele Kloppe, Corner Post staff

Dec. 5, 2002 - Paul Vaughn, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Associate Dean and director of Academic Programs was an unexpected guest in the 8 a.m. session of Ag Econ 40 on Thursday. To everyone's surprise, Vaughn presented Jan Dauve, Resident Instruction Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, with the Golden Apple Award.

Before Vaughn presented the award, he said that even though the university has gone through budget cuts, it will not slack in noticing teachers who continue to excel. Vaughn added that throughout these hard times at MU, when teachers have not been given raises and must work extra hard because of vacancies caused by lay-offs, some teachers have not lost their gumption.

"Dr. Dauve has continued to work hard to help students excel, and CAFNR has recognized that," Vaughn said.

In an email interview, Vaughn said that nominations for the Golden Apple come from administrators, faculty and student interviews. One criterion for the award “is that it should go to those who have not received major recognition, such as the Kemper Award for Excellence in Teaching,” he said.

“The awards are presented by the Academic Programs Office as a means of recognizing faculty who have excelled in teaching or student support,” Vaughn said.

This is the first time this year the Golden Apple has been presented. Dauve adds the award to his resume, which includes the Outstanding Commitment to Teachers award, presented by the Homecoming Steering Committee to Dauve in both 1999 and 2000, and Greek Life's Outstanding Faculty Member, which he won in 1995 and 2000.

After Vaughn presented the award to Dauve, the class applauded. This, however, was not enough for Vaughn. He asked the class to "stand up and give him what he really deserves."

Dave said the standing ovation meant a lot to him, and it also threw him off.

"It really took me time to adjust afterwards," Dauve said.

After accepting his award, Dauve said he is dedicated to student learning and that he cares more about learning than he cares about what the faculty has awarded him.

Story posted 12/07/02

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