Dr. Norma Bailey is an associate professor in the department of Teacher Education and Professional Development, coming to CMU in 1996. Dr. Bailey is being recognized for her respect of students, amazing organizational skills, and for bringing tremendous energy to the classroom

Dr. Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Kalamazoo College, a Master of Arts from Middlebury College, and an Ed.D. from the University of Northern Colorado.

One former student wrote that “Much of who I am as a teacher was developed in my time spent learning from, working with, and being challenged by Norma Bailey. Throughout the course, I was continuously surprised at the wide range of learning activities.” A second student commented that “…everything she discusses in a philosophical manner is demonstrated through her teaching style and classroom pedagogy and she made sure to emphasize the connections in our learning.” Yet another students wrote that Dr. Bailey’s “strengths as a professor, a mentor, an advisor, and a consistent learner make her … an educator beyond compare.”

A colleague commented that Dr. Bailey’s “…planning ‘begins with the end in mind’ … guided by a clear sense of student learning outcomes from which emanate instructional and assessment strategies that engage diverse learners.”  A colleague added that “Students enrolled in this person’s classes are blessed to have such a motivational and supportive teacher … and I am honored to have this person as a colleague.”

A student summed up by saying “Not only does she model the technical strategies or attributes for being an effective teacher in her teacher education classes, she also takes seriously her responsibility and opportunity to model the qualities of a teacher we would hope every child experiences: one with compassion, respect, and integrity.”

In addition to truly outstanding teaching, Dr. Bailey has provided exceptional service to both the university and also nationally in the area of diversity and inclusion.  

Dr. Desmond Harding is an assistant professor in the department of English Language and Literature. Coming to CMU in 2003, he is being recognized for his ability to create intellectually stimulating classroom experiences and his use of humor in the classroom.

Dr. Harding earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sheffield, and both the Master of Arts and Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.

In writing a recommendation for this award, one former student commented on his passion for the field and energy “…that is motivating and fosters learning. I wanted to keep learning … even after the class had ended.”  Another student mentioned that he “… wants students to use their full potential and think more critically about life; [he] simply uses [the] subject … as the vehicle.” Yet another student added, “ … I learned that I could do so much more than I ever had expected.”

A colleague noted that Dr. Harding’s “… classroom is rigorous, stimulating and enjoyable … students become enthusiastic, inquisitive, and energized.” Another peer mentioned his “lively sense of humor makes the learning experience realistic, enjoyable and motivating.” And a third peer wrote that his teaching “… shows all the very best features of interdisciplinary connections, innovative technology support, critical thinking skills, and … totally precise and clear illustrations which engage students,” and that “He succeeds in balancing his high level of understanding of  … difficult material [with] … a demonstrated instinct of strong encouragement.”

One peer summed up Dr. Harding’s approach by noting that he “… truly enjoys dialogue, respects students, thrives on interaction, sparkles with discovery, and teaches most of all by modeling the activities of a person who loves learning and revels in the benefits it brings.”

Dr. Harding has a deep devotion to his students and cares a great deal about their educational development.  In addition to extensive scholarly work and service to the university, Dr. Harding has received a number of awards and honors.

Dr. Bernie Kerr is an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences, coming to CMU in 2002.  Dr. Kerr is recognized for being a demanding instructor who draws on an exceptional knowledge base and a variety of real-world examples to reach his students. 

Dr. Kerr earned his Bachelor of Science from East Tennessee State University, his Masters in Health Administration from Washington University, and his Ed.D. from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville.

In writing a letter of support for this award, a former student commented that Dr. Kerr “…uses various teaching methods to induce students to perform at exceptionally high levels.” This student also noted that he unselfishly gives his “time, knowledge and resources” and that this “…is received and perceived by others as a gift as it is always presented and wrapped with passion, commitment and love of the profession.”  Another student noted that “Each student is valued as a person and treated with dignity and respect.” Yet another student added that Dr. Kerr is a “brilliant and dedicated teacher who radiates love for teaching, learning, and helping others.”

Colleagues who wrote to support Dr. Kerr’s nomination for this teaching award commented that he uses the “… full array of multi-media capability to support enthusiastic and energetic presentations … and student-teacher interaction.” Another peer added that “He constantly reads the literature appropriate to the profession and has aggressively pursued an active agenda of research, writing, and consulting.” A third peer wrote that he “would sum this award candidate with four words: commitment, consistency, conscientiousness and caring”

A student ended her letter with these words.  “The university and students are most fortunate to have a faculty member totally dedicated to the development and success of both the students as individuals and the university as an institution.”

In addition to exceptional teaching, Dr. Kerr has secured nearly $700,000 in external funding and is a prolific researcher in areas pertaining health care systems and accessing reliable health care information.

Dr. Brian J. Smith is an Associate Professor in the department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work.  He came to CMU in the Fall of 2003 and is being recognized for ability to help students find their own voice and instill in them a true passion for learning.

Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College, a Master of Arts from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University. 

Students’ comments included that “Dr. Smith is very skillful in creating an environment conducive to learning,” and that “. . . we were ALWAYS to respect each others’ opinions in his class.” In support of his nomination, another student noted that his “. . . enthusiasm about teaching  . . . encouraged me to pursue the field and even strive to be a professor. He changed my life and continues to do the same for so many students.”

Peers reflected that Dr. Smith is “…not satisfied with his pedagogical ‘status quo’ as a teacher. He uses summers to retool and to ‘re-fuel’ his teaching toolkit.” Another peer noted that “Students describe . . . a community of collaborative scholars . . . each member an important contributor; each member open to and respectful of the contributions of others.” A colleague also noted that “While being . . . good-natured, generous, respectful and accommodating  . . . [Dr. Smith] consistently supports rigorous standards for the department and demands high performance and engagement from students.”

A student finalized his letter by saying that Dr. Smith is ”… a shining example of what a professor should be: A person who is knowledgeable about his subject matter, creative in his teachings, effective in his presentation skills, treats all students with respect and has a genuine interest in the well being and growth of his students.”

In addition to exceptional teaching, Dr. Smith has a productive research agenda and grant activity dedicated to issues related to equity in the justice system. Within this area he has devoted a much attention to issues related to youth and cultural factors.  

Dr. Lesley Ann Withers is an associate professor in the Department of Speech Communication and Dramatic Arts. She has been at CMU since 2001 and is honored today for her deep respect of her students, for being an exceptional role model to her students, and for her extensive commitment to community service. 

Dr. Withers received both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from University of Maine, and a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut.

In support for this award, a former student wrote: “Her expertise complimented by her enthusiasm and genuine concern for others challenged me to succeed beyond my personal expectations.”  Another student shared that “Every student can enter her classroom knowing that she will be prepared, excited to be there, engaging, and enlightening.” A third student also noted that “She set high standards for her students, but offered every resource available to meet those standards.”

After a class visit, a peer noted that Dr. Withers “… goes beyond effective teaching to achieve an interesting and engaging classroom experience for her students,” and that “she is a master at establishing a classroom climate that encourages students to participate, to ask questions, and to respond to one another.”  Another colleague stated, “She masterfully executes classroom discussions, establishes a classroom climate that encourages thoughtful responses, integrates technology to support and extend the ideas presented both in class discussions and in her chosen textbooks, and serves as a mentor and role model to all her students.”

In addition to exceptional teaching, Dr. Withers has an active research program and has mentored many student projects.  She has also used service-learning projects in nine different classes, and in the process of creating exceptional learning experiences for her students, she is making valuable contributions to the community.

In addition to the CMU Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Withers is also the first recipient of the Lorrie Ryan Memorial Excellence in Teaching Award.  This award is given to one CMU faculty member each year who inspires students through both an exemplary commitment to community service and demonstrates a profound respect for others.