ISU awards top teaching honors to five faculty

Five Idaho State University faculty have been named 2008 Master Teachers. One will receive the 2008 Distinguished Teacher Award at Commencement May 10.

Receiving 2008 Master Teacher Awards are Andrew Holland, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry; Bethany Schultz Hurst, instructor, English and philosophy; Lloyd Peterson, Ph.D. associate professor, educational learning and development; Linda Rankin, Ph.D., professor, health and nutrition sciences; and Jack Rose, Ph.D., assistant chair of the graduate program and professor of biology.

“Idaho State University is extremely fortunate to have faculty with such dedication to educating our students and the entire University community,” said Idaho State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D.

Holland joined the Idaho State University faculty as an assistant professor in 2004. His primary instructional responsibility has been to the general chemistry series, in which he has taught labs and lectures, supervised the laboratory curriculum, and overseen local Early College Program courses. In spring 2007, Holland’s teaching was recognized by the ISU chapter of Mortar Board that named him its 2006-2007 Faculty Honoree. Last fall, he initiated and taught the first offering of an ISU honors general chemistry sequence. Holland also teaches the inorganic chemistry laboratory, which he designed as a new course in 2005, and advanced inorganic chemistry. Since arriving at ISU, he has supervised 20 undergraduate research students, the majority of whom have presented their work at symposia, conferences, or in print. Holland is also an active researcher.

Hurst graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Colorado State University and received a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University. She is in her fifth year as an assistant lecturer at Idaho State University, teaching a full load and directing independent studies for creative-writing students. University honors students have twice selected her as Distinguished Educator. Hurst’s poetry has appeared in several journals. In Pocatello, she is co-director of the annual Rocky Mountain Writers’ Festival and serves on the Pocatello Arts Council. Said one student in a nomination form: “I have taken two creative-writing courses from Bethany and they have changed my perception on writing, which should be caressed into a refined art …”

Peterson received his doctor of education degree with emphases in special education and educational leadership in 1999 from Utah State University. His major focus of study is behavioral science and its relationship to formal education. Peterson is an associate professor in the Idaho State University College of Education. He currently is director of the special education program, and is the college’s finance officer. Among his accomplishments are serving as an associate editor of the journal Education and Treatment of Children; giving 25 national/and international presentations; co-authoring multiple publications and presentations; and co-developing and implementing two undergraduate programs, a master’s program and a doctoral program. One of his nominators wrote, “Dr. Peterson is always engaging.” Another wrote, “He demonstrates what he teaches and is full of valuable lessons, which he connects to the teaching field.”

Rankin, who earned her Ph.D. in adult education at the University of Idaho in 1996, came to Idaho State University in 1991. She is a health and nutrition sciences professor, and a registered and licensed dietitian. Rankin has taught 20 different courses at ISU across four different programs: family and consumer sciences, dietetics, health education and public health. She developed seven of the classes as new courses. In addition to her classroom teaching, she was the director of the ISU Wellness Center and the Great Potato Health Conference from 1992 – 1996. She was a finalist for the Distinguished Public Service Award in 1998 and 1999. Her primary research interest is health behavior change. Said one of her nominators, “She’s a dynamic lecturer utilizing creative teaching techniques and homework assignments to enrich the learning experience.”

Rose is a professor of biological sciences, and has served Idaho State University for more than 20 years. He earned his Ph.D. in animal science at Oregon State University. He teaches a two-semester sequence in senior-level human physiology, for which he has repeatedly been recognized by the College of Pharmacy as a Teacher of the Year. He also teaches elective courses in endocrinology, reproductive physiology, advanced topics in physiology for graduate students, and introductory anatomy and physiology. In his laboratory, Rose has trained graduate students and has given dozens of undergraduate students valuable research experience. Many of these students have subsequently continued their education in medical school, the allied health professions or further graduate studies. According to one of his nominators, “He does an exceptional job in mentoring and helping to develop a successful future for his students.”