Shel Levine, coordinator of Eastern Michigan University's
exercise science program, has a favorite saying that describes
his life as an educator: "Teaching is not a job. Teaching
is not a profession. Teaching is an abiding passion of
existence."
"I get the most pleasure helping students, teaching and
advising them through their career decisions," said Levine. "It's
my greatest accomplishment."
 |
Levine |
Levine, an associate professor in clinical exercise physiology,
was one of eight EMU outstanding professors honored during
the 19 th annual Teaching Excellence Awards Oct. 24 at
the EMU Student Center.
Sponsored by the EMU Alumni Association, the Office for
Alumni Relations, the MEEMIC Insurance Company and the
Krumm Agency, LLC, the event honors outstanding faculty
who have distinguished themselves in the classroom.
In addition to Levine, honorees included Pirooz Aghssa,
associate professor, theatre arts; Edward Sidlow, professor,
political science; Doris Fields, associate professor, communication,
media and theatre arts; Paul Majeske, associate professor,
communication technology; James Barott, professor, educational
leadership; Alicia Li, associate professor, special education;
and Karen Paciorek, professor, early childhood education.
"No one knows better than our alumni how dedicated the
faculty is to its students," said Vicki Reaume, executive
director of alumni relations at EMU. "The Teaching Excellence
Awards ceremony provides us with the opportunity to honor
them for the outstanding education they provide."
Levine, who was nominated by 12 of his student-athletes,
joined EMU as a visiting instructor in 1996 before becoming
an assistant professor in 1999.
"EMU is a great place to work," Levine said. "It's a good
feeling and very humbling when students nominate you. That
means you're reaching them."
Prior to coming to EMU, he served as coordinator of clinical
exercise programming for Botsford Hospital of Novi's Center
for Health Improvement, and was assistant director of the
Henry L. Morse Physical Health Research Center of the Medical
College of Ohio. He currently serves on the board of directors
of the American College of Sports Medicine's Midwest region.
Levine earned a bachelor's degree in biochemical pharmacology
at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and two
master's degrees, one from West Virginia University in
exercise physiology, and a second in health services management
and administration from Central Michigan University.
 |
Aghssa |
Pirooz Aghssa, from communication, media
and theatre arts, was honored for his ability to share
his passion and enthusiasm for the arts with students and
the EMU community. According to his nominators, his extensive
knowledge of musical theatre, combined with an outstanding
classroom experience, make him a highly sought professor.
Aghssa began teaching at EMU in 1991 and has directed
numerous plays on campus, including "Evita," "Closer Than
Ever" and "Brecht on Brecht." He also has performed in
cabaret shows in New York and in a number of regional and
university productions, concerts and recitals.
He earned a bachelor of music degree (specializing in
vocal performance) in 1983 from the University of Illinois,
a master's degree in music from Ohio University in 1986,
and a doctorate in acting/directing from Texas Tech University
in 1991.
 |
Sidlow |
Edward Sidlow, political science, is
known for his ability to mentor and inspire students both
in and out of the classroom. A regular commentator on Detroit
radio stations WWJ and WJR, Sidlow has also provided analysis
for CNN, Detroit's FOX2 News and other major media outlets.
His insightful analysis has earned him numerous invitations
to speak to various professional, community and student
groups.
Sidlow is active in the EMU Honors Program and Undergraduate
Symposium. His service to the campus community and dedication
to his students and the University have earned him several
awards, including this year's Honors College Faculty Member
of the Year, and a Gold Medallion Faculty Appreciation
Award.
He received a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan
in 1974, and his master's degree and doctorate from Ohio
State University.
 |
| Fields |
Doris Fields, communication, media and
theatre arts, was honored for her "engaging and effective
teaching methods and ability to create an open and diverse
learning environment." Fields has been active in
EMU's Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts
since 1996, and has facilitated workshops for residence
hall students. She frequently speaks at various
elementary and high schools, and has conducted workshops
in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti school districts.
Her numerous awards include being named Most Valuable
Professor and the 2006 Role Model and Mentor Award, presented
by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource
Center.
She received a bachelor's degree in communication in 1990
and a master's degree in communication in 1992, both from
Eastern Michigan University. She received her doctorate
in communication education from Wayne State University
in 2002.
 |
Majeske |
Paul Majeske, communication technology,
was recognized for his "ability to spark a lasting interest
in technology in his students due to his enthusiastic teaching
style and ability to simulate real-life situations in the
classroom." Majeske's students credit him with staying
on top of a rapidly-changing, always evolving field; giving
them tools to succeed in their careers, and for inspiring
a passion for community service.
He received his bachelor's degree in communication in
1990 and a master's degree in interdisciplinary technology
in 1992, both from EMU. He anticipates receiving his doctorate
in instructional technology from Wayne State University
next year. His dissertation deals with the effects of gaming
on the learning styles of freshmen and transfer students.
 |
| Barott |
James Barott, educational leadership,
was nominated for his ability to ignite his students' interest
and his role as mentor.
Barott has served as a faculty sponsor and moderator for
the Graduate Research Fair, and has participated in numerous
boards and committees. Barott was presented with the College
of Education Dean's Award for Innovative Teaching in 2007
for his commitment to education.
He received a bachelor's degree in social psychology from
the University of Idaho, Moscow, in 1974 and a doctorate
in organizational leadership in 1992 from the University
of California-Santa Barbara.
 |
Li |
As coordinator of the teacher preparation program for
students with visual impairments, Alicia Li,
special education, was honored for her "outstanding ability
to prepare and motivate her students and for creating a
learning environment that makes students want to excel."
Li serves as director of the Michigan Chapter of the Association
for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually
Impaired, director of the Michigan Opportunities Unlimited
for the Blind Board, and director of the steering committee
for the Michigan Comprehensive Design Team for Quality
Education for students who are blind or visually impaired.
A graduate of the Taiwan Provincial Junior College of
Nursing, she received a bachelor's degree in special education
from the National Taiwan College of Education. Li received
both her master's degree and a doctorate in special education
from the University of Northern Colorado.
 |
Paciorek |
Karen Paciorek, early childhood education,
was honored for her "outstanding ability to prepare and
encourage her students." Paciorek is active both at Eastern
Michigan and with several organizations dedicated to childhood
education.
A former president of the Northville Public Schools Board
of Education, she continues to serve as a board trustee.
Paciorek also has served as president of the Michigan Association
for the Education of Young Children, and Michigan Early
Childhood Education Consortium.
Paciorek has been the recipient of the Eastern Michigan
University Distinguished Faculty Award for Service and
the EMU Excellence in Academic Advising Award.
She received a bachelor's degree in early childhood education
from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's degree from
George Washington University and a doctorate from Peabody
College of Vanderbilt University.
Paciorek said she's fortunate to have a job she loves
at a university with an excellent reputation for education,
and for being in a profession about which she is passionate.
"I get great satisfaction from knowing many of my former
students, now Eastern Michigan alumni, are making an impact
with young children and families all over the world," she
said.
