Students Recognize English Department Faculty for Outstanding Instruction and Support

Erica Kerr and Alexandra Sondeen, Journalism Majors

Winter 2008 semester ended on a high note as English department faculty members were recognized for their achievements inside and outside of the classroom at the Holman Learning Center's annual Faculty Tutor Appreciation Day, March 31, Student Center Ballroom.

Of the more than 100 faculty, lecturers and tutors nominated for awards, two English department members, Dr. Natasa Kovacevic and Tony Spicer, were recognized for exceptional classroom instruction or providing student support. In all, students nominated approximately 19 faculty members and lecturers from the English department.

Kovacevic, an assistant professor who has a doctorate in English from the University of Florida, has many publications on topics ranging from Virginia Woolf to the Yugoslav Diasporic Experience. She is in her second year at EMU, where she teaches global literature and postcolonial studies. "The award was actually for outstanding faculty in a supporting role, advising or working with students outside of class," Kovacevic explained. "I've always liked that aspect of teaching because I get to know my students a lot better and sometimes develop lasting friendships with them as a result."

Spicer, a lecturer at EMU, teaches composition courses and has a master of fine arts in creative writing, poetry and fiction. When asked how the award has impacted his teaching, he said, "Today, I taught my classes with renewed confidence and vigor." Spicer also acknowledged that the award serves as positive reinforcement of his teaching abilities. "Receiving the award reminded me that I am a good teacher, and that students think so, too," he said.

The Faculty Tutor Appreciation Awards program was created by the Holman Learning Center in 2000 to recognize faculty, lecturers, tutors and supplemental instruction leaders for their outstanding work. The nominations are made solely by EMU students. "This award program, of all programs offered at EMU, is totally student driven," said Provost and Executive Vice President Donald Loppnow. The students nominated faculty who have gone above and beyond to reach their students, displayed great enthusiasm or created innovative ways to teach their material. "It is especially meaningful because students have identified faculty who have made a dramatic difference in their lives," Loppnow said.

For more information on the award program, please visit:
www.tlc.emich.edu/programs/facultytutor.html

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