The instructors were recognized for innovation and creativity during challenging times.
Four Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington (IUSPH-B) faculty members have been presented with the 2021 Dr. James E. Mumford Excellence in Extraordinary Teaching Award.
Named in honor of Dr. James E. Mumford, a beloved longtime IU faculty member known for directing both the IU Soul Revue and African American Choral Ensemble, the award was created in 2021 to “recognize instructors who demonstrate notably innovative, creative, and compassionate teaching in response to extraordinary events.”
Of 122 nominees, 87 Indiana University Bloomington faculty received the award, including Courtney Fecske, Brian Forist, and David Smiley—all of the IUSPH-B Department of Health & Wellness Design.
“Students in our department and school are fortunate to work with these innovative faculty members,” says Richard Holden, chair of the Department of Health & Wellness Design. “Their cutting-edge teaching techniques are the very thing students need to succeed in 21st century classrooms and job markets.”
Debra Herbenick, a renowned sex researcher and faculty member in the Department of Applied Health Science, also received the award.
“Students line up to take a course from Dr. Herbenick,” says Eric Walsh-Buhi, department chair. “She exemplifies the best of what the Department of Applied Health Science has to offer in the area of sexual and reproductive health.”
"I congratulate these faculty members who, during the pandemic, devised innovative teaching methods that allowed students to continue their education,” adds Ruth Engs, professor emeritus also from the Department of Applied Health Science. "They were challenged by new situations that they likely never thought they would experience, and at the same time continued to teach, council, and encourage their students to pursue their chosen fields of study."
According to the IU Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching (FACET), the inaugural group of honorees were recognized for “excellence in classroom teaching, course design, and instructor-student advising in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social justice developments, and other adverse and unexpected situations.”
Learn more and see the full list of recipients at go.iu.edu/40Xb. For more information about Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, visit publichealth.indiana.edu.