Strosacker Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Denise Kohn

Associate Professor, English

This award is the foremost recognition for outstanding teaching at BW. Dr. Kohn works closely with BW students seeking licensure to teach English in high school.

One alumnus wrote in her nomination, “As her student, she inspired me to want more for myself; as a graduate student she gave me the strength to persevere when my own failed; as a new teacher she listens to me and guides me. As I reentered graduate school this past fall as a doctoral student, she remains a ballast and a respected, beloved mentor. Someday, when I finally become a professor, I will know without a doubt, that she is the reason I made that long-held dream come true.”

Bechberger Award for Human Development

Dr. Andrew Mickley

Professor and Chair, Neuroscience Program

The Bechberger award recognizes a faculty member who contributes in outstanding ways to student development and growth through leadership outside of the classroom. Dr. Mickley came to BW in 1993 after a 21-year career in the United States Air Force where he did extensive research in the brain sciences. He has since collected a variety of accolades including the 2008 Ohio Professor of the Year.

Among the students who nominated Dr Mickley for the Bechberger Award, one noted, “the genuine care and commitment to his students, in addition to personal and academic integrity, make him truly one of the most exemplary men I have met. He is an inspiration and a role model.”

The Gigax Faculty Scholarship Award

Dr. Jacqueline Morris

Associate Professor, Biology & Geology

Named for former Board of Trustees chair Lester Gigax, the award recognizes a faculty member who, through effective scholarship, has enhanced the learning environment at BW. Nominations come from faculty colleagues.

One nominator wrote of Dr. Morris, “This is a professor who “listens, asks good questions, gathers data and reviews it carefully, using all that is learned to help solve problems, keeping the needs of the students and of the institution at the center.”

The Exemplary Teacher Award

Dr. Xudong (Tony) Chen

Assistant Professor, Economics

Co-sponsored by The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, the award recognizes a faculty member who exhibits excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to value-centered education and service to students, the institution and the community.

A student nominator wrote that Dr. Chen “truly cares about his students and wants them to succeed in the classroom. He is always willing to help and makes an effort to get to know the students in his class. Everyone is an individual, not just an ID number or body in the room. I will remember what he taught long after my time at BW.”

The Student Senate Faculty Excellence Award

Dr. Thomas Sutton

Chair and Associate Professor, Political Science

BW's Student Senate annually presents this award to the faculty member who goes out of his or her way to assist students in and out of the classroom. This is not the first time Dr. Sutton has been honored with this award, or with other faculty recognition.

In addition to his involvement on campus as a professor, mentor and CIG Fellow, Dr. Sutton serves as independent political analyst for WEWS-TV, the Cleveland ABC network affiliate. 

The Professor David Prok Humanitarian Award for Social Justice in Sex and Gender Diversity

Dr. Michael Dwyer

Professor, Psychology

Instituted by Professor David Prok of BW’s Department of Sociology, this award is given to members of the faculty, staff or student body who, by their own life example, make Baldwin Wallace University more hospitable, safe and accepting of minority members within the BW community. Recipients are selected by a committee whose decisions are based on observed and documented contributions to the cause of social justice on campus.

Dr. Dwyer is a licensed Counseling Psychologist with an active consultancy and a champion for early childhood intervention.