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Nelson, Davis Receive Teaching Awards
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JUNE 8, 2005 -- Professor Charles Nelson (Humanities) and Assistant Professor Brian Davis (Electrical and Computer Engineering) are the 2005 recipients of Michigan Tech's Distinguished Teaching Award.
Nelson receives the award in the professor/associate professor category, while Davis will be honored in the assistant professor/lecturer category.
For students in Davis's classes, sitting back and zoning out is not an option.
"You can't be passive in my class," Davis said. "I ask pointed questions to all the students."
Davis's philosophy is working, according to his students.
"Teaching is his strength," one of his students said. "He works hard to promote learning and dedicates his time to it."
And Davis's pursuit of learning began here at Michigan Tech, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1991. Since returning to the university as an assistant professor in 2001, he has garnered an NSF Career Award and was named Professor of the Year in electrical and computer engineering by the student branch of Eta Kappa Nu.
"He is the best instructor on campus," said one of his students. Another says "He teaches by listening to us."
"I certainly have learned from my students," said Davis. "We have an on-going discussion, and I value their opinions."
"He's an outstanding teacher," said Timothy Schulz, electrical and computer engineering department chair. "He's popular because he is very knowledgeable and he cares for the students. Students both like and respect him."
And in the ever-changing world of computers and electronics, Davis's classes stay up to date.
"He keeps class interesting by relating what we are learning to current technologies," one of his students said.
"Almost every semester I teach a course, about 20 percent of the content changes from the last time," said Davis. "My classes focus on understanding the design decisions behind the computers we are working with today."
While Davis greatly appreciates the award and recognition, his goal in teaching remains the same.
"My objective is to provide students with the skills that they're going to need. When I know that I've done that, that's the best reward that I can get."
Long before the "Lord of the Rings" series became a blockbuster movie trilogy, Charles Nelson was sharing his love for J.R.R. Tolkien's books with Michigan Tech students. In fact, Nelson's Tolkien class, which began at the university 31 years ago, is the second oldest course of its kind in the nation.
And Nelson, a 33-year veteran of the university, has not lost his excitement.
"He is a passionate teacher who loves what he’s teaching, and he passes that on to others," said one of his recent students.
"I don't really try to do anything consciously," Nelson said about passing on his passion. "I'm just really enthusiastic about what I'm teaching."
Nelson's interest in his subject has spread outside the classroom. He is a founding member of the International Association of the Fantastic in the Arts and holds memberships in the Western Michigan Medieval Conference and the American Renaissance Society. He is also an honorary member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
It would seem that after 30 years of teaching the same course a professor could sit back and relax come class time, but not Nelson.
"I prepare a lot for class," he said. "You have to be willing to change your plan for the day. You never know where the students may take the discussion, and you need to be willing to follow."
"He does a wonderful job of sharing what he knows while at the same time listening and learning from the students," said one of Nelson’s students.
"Not only has he been one of the best teachers here for quite a while," said Robert Johnson, humanities department chair, "but he's always experimenting and doing new things to help students learn. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award."
Nelson's students admire and respect their professor for his tough love.
"He expects the best work from you every time," of his students said. Another said, "He has high expectations, but reasonable ones."
"Sometimes students think that because I'm friendly, I'm an easy teacher," said Nelson. "I expect us both to work towards their grade. I'll go part of the way, but I won't carry them. You have to get involved with the students."
Nelson and Davis will each be given $2,500 as recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award. |
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