Nominations now open for 2009 Professor of the Year

<p>Imagine a faculty member who pushes the boundaries, dares others to think boldly and is an element of change. Someone whose work builds a better world and affects the future of mankind. Now imagine nominating him or her as the 2009 Professor of the Year. Nominations open today at <a href="http://asu.edu/PTY">asu.edu/PTY</a&gt; and run through Feb. 23. The ASU Parents Association’s Professor of the Year program has honored 12 ASU professors since its founding in 1994, recognizing those professors who carve bold new paths of discovery and bring their students along for the journey.</p><separator></separator><p>“Every year, the number of qualified nominees increases and we want to honor as many of them as we can,” says Robin Okun Hengl, director of parent programs at the ASU Parents Association. “The nomination process itself provides an opportunity to let our academic leaders know that the community values their contributions. And the award honors a deserving professor who makes a significant impact as an element of change.”</p><separator></separator><p>Beyond the public tribute, the award recipient accepts lifetime recognition as a Parents Association Professor of the Year, designation as a fellow in the ASU Distinguished Teaching Academy, a $10,000 cash award and a $10,000 stipend to fund a student assistant ($5,000 a year for two years). The selection committee may also choose to fund $1,000 special-recognition awards for other deserving faculty nominees. In 2008, there were six recipients of this award.</p><separator></separator><p>Last April, James Blasingame Jr., an English education professor in ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was named the 2008 Professor of the Year. Since much of his teaching revolves around adolescent literature, he and his students partner with local school districts to improve literacy and writing skills among middle and high school students.</p><separator></separator><p>“I was truly speechless last year when Professor Ostrom announced my name, out of all of my talented colleagues, as the 2008 Professor of the Year,” says Professor Blasingame. “I am still so humbled to have been chosen. The award provided me with a part-time undergraduate assistant to work on my favorite project: the ASU English department Beta Partnership with the Mesa Public School District through the ASU Vice President’s Office for Education Partnerships.&quot;</p><separator></separator><p> The 2009 ASU Parents Association Professor of the Year will be announced at the Celebration of Teaching and Learning Excellence event on April 16. All nominators and Professor of the Year nominees will be invited to attend.</p>