Professors earn academic awards

Four California State University, Fresno faculty members were selected for the provost's "Awards for Excellence in Teaching" -- the university's highest academic honors for faculty.

Dr. Gail Tompkins, professor of literacy and early education; Dr. Glen Doyle, professor of gerontology; Dr. Scott Stevens, associate professor of English; and Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, professor of psychology, will be honored for their contributions to Fresno State this year.

The awards will be presented by provost and vice president for academic affairs, Dr. J. Michael Ortiz, on Thursday, May 11. Each professor will receive a cash award as part of the citation.

Tompkins, who has been with the university since 1989, received the overall Excellence in Teaching Award and $2,000. She earned her bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and her master of arts degree and doctor

of education degree from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Tompkins was cited for her "model teaching" and the incorporation of innovative teaching strategies that she has shared with teachers and children throughout California and the nation.

"The passion and insight she brings to her work comes through to me as it would to any interested reviewer," said Dr. Paul Shaker, dean, School of Education and Human Development. "Her 'balanced approach' to the role of professor is yielding great benefits to our students, our schools, and ­ through her writing and presenting ­ a national audience of teachers and university faculty."

"Her ability to connect theory and current research applications is prized by students," said Dr. Jacques Benninga, chair, Department of Literacy and Early Education.

"She is an authentic teacher who is actively involved in today's public school classrooms. She regularly visits classrooms in Fresno and the surrounding area, not just to observe but to teach model lessons for teachers."

Benninga said Tompkins shares her teaching expertise with the instructors and assists them in developing their content knowledge and teaching effectiveness.

"Gail's teaching is inspired and motivates both preservice and master's level teachers to im-plement innovative strategies in the teaching of language arts," said colleague Dr. Adrienne Herrell. "Her work with the San Joaquin Valley Writing Project has resulted in a strong cadre of teacher leaders who are providing exemplary workshops for teachers in school districts throughout the valley."

Doyle, a faculty member since 1987, will receive $1,000 for the Excellence in Teaching Award for Faculty Service. Applauded for being a tireless advocate for the field of gerontology, her colleagues said she continues taking on leadership roles, contributing to the well-being, stability and collegiality of the program, school and university. Doyle said teaching is the highlight of her career as well as involving students with elders in the community. According to Doyle her dream is to someday have a gerontology building on campus to house the program.

"Glen is a rare person who has the intellectual ability to do the research necessary to have an indepth understanding of gerontology, and at the same time, put what she learned into specific practice with people," said Phillip Kimble, psychology lecturer.

Kimble said Doyle has a head for hearing and a heart for helping and healing. He said she has laid the foundation for an aging program that is inclusive and will continue to grow because she has the ability to listen, hear and include all the varied parts of the aging community.

Stevens, who arrived at Fresno State in 1996, will receive $1,000 for the Excellence in Teaching Award for Graduate Teaching and Mentoring. Stevens is known for his ability to create classroom environments that inspire, while they enable students to reach their highest potential. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from CSU, Chico and his master of arts degree and doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Rochester.

"He recruits, hires, trains and supervises many part-time faculty for our remedial program. Because of his professionalism and enthusiasm, he is admired as a role model for his students, his staff of part-time teachers, and his colleagues," said Dr. Andy Simmons, chair, Department of English.

Aguilar-Gaxiola will receive $1,000 for the Excellence in Teaching Award for Distinguished Achievement in Research. He has been a member of the faculty since 1990 and is the director of the World Health Organization's (WHO) CIDI Training and Reference Center in Fresno, only one of three such centers in the U.S.

"He is an energetic, world-class researcher who is equally passionate about basic research and the application of that research to improve the quality of life of the individuals whom he studies," said colleague Dr. Tom Breen.

The provost's Awards for Excellence in Teaching recipients are selected by a committee composed of representatives from the university community.