Spain wins Governor's Teaching Award

Rachele Kloppe, Corner Post staff

Nov. 2, 2002 - College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Assistant Dean of Academic Programs James "Jim" Spain is MU's 2002 recipient of the Governor's Teaching Award.

The award is presented to the most outstanding teacher at MU, as well as the most outstanding teacher at other Missouri colleges and universities, each year. Spain is the third CAFNR faculty member to win the award since 1999.

Spain said the amount of teachers in CAFNR that have won this award shows the effort and commitment within the college and the good work environment that CAFNR provides for teaching.

"It's important to recognize the success of our college and faculty," Spain said.

Although he looks forward to the banquet in December where Gov. Bob Holden will be presenting him the award, Spain said that it is just as significant to be recognized by the students.

"I've gotten a lot of …replies and responses from students, faculty, and staff, and that's probably what makes this award (most special)," Spain said. "I'm honored to be recognized."

"He's a friendly, helpful teacher," Ashley Akeman, animal sciences major, said. "Even if he's not your adviser, he'd be willing to help you."

"He's an exquisite guy and a nice teacher," Jacob Crandall, animal sciences major, said.

This is not the first time Spain has been recognized for his teaching and leadership skills. He has also received the Green Chalk Award, the Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence, the Outstanding Teacher Award and the Excellence in Education Award.

"He's the best teacher I've had in a long time," Rex Smiley, animal sciences major, said. "No teacher is more deserving of this award."

The process for choosing a winner of the Governor's Teaching Award at MU begins with a committee from each college nominating someone. That individual must then fill out a nomination form, which is sent to a campus-wide committee, which makes the final selection.

Paul Vaughn, Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs, said that the teacher who is selected to win the award is identified as the best teacher at MU.

"We are extremely proud of him and know that he represents all of our outstanding teaching faculty within the college," said Vaughn.

Story originally posted 11/11/02


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