Excellence in Teaching by Teaching Assistants and Part-Time and Non-Tenure Track Faculty — 2004

These awards, introduced for the first time in 2003, are given in recognition of outstanding contributions to undergraduate education.

Jeffrey K. Gibson
Enjoyed and appreciated by students in both his lower-level General Education courses and English specialty courses alike, Jeffrey K. Gibson expects to receive his doctorate from the University in May. The University of Central Florida graduate has taught English classes at the University since 2000 and specializes in the fields of Shakespeare, writing, and contemporary American life and literature. He has received extremely high course evaluations over the last four semesters and has shown to be an outstanding instructor at each of the five class levels he has taught.

“Mr. Gibson is, in my view, our most accomplished graduate student teacher, perhaps indeed, among the most committed and acclaimed of our undergraduate instructors generally,” wrote Mike Hill, associate professor and associate chair of the English department. “While it will be heartening to see Jeffrey Gibson move on from UAlbany English to a tenure-track job in the future, as I have no doubt he will, the department will need to work hard in recruiting an incoming cohort of graduate students who will develop into teachers of his high caliber, popularity, and achievement.”

Suzanne McHugh
A teaching assistant in the Sociology department, Suzanne McHugh has demonstrated an ability to perform all of her required tasks skillfully and conscientiously. She has filled in as a lecturer on short notice and continues to be an excellent scholar in her field, as well. The 1998 Towson University graduate was co-author of “Sibling Deviance Revisited: Incorporating Mutual and Unique Friendship Effects” in an upcoming issue of Criminology. She served as president of the Students of Sociology Graduate Organization from 2000-2001 and was the Graduate Student Faculty Representative in 2001-2002.

“Suzanne began her teaching career here as an assistant to faculty on several different courses, and distinguished herself in a variety of ways in carrying out those responsibilities,” wrote Russell A. Ward, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology. “When she then began to teach her own courses, Suzanne’s excellent performance continued, with student evaluations among the very best in the department. It is also particularly noteworthy that Suzanne’s teaching excellence has not been accomplished at the expense of her growing scholarly achievements.”

Paul Cummings
A full-time mathematics lecturer for the Educational Opportunity Program, Paul Cummings has worked at the University since 1985, when he served as a part-time mathematics lecturer for the School of Business. Passionate about his field and considered to have outstanding teaching gifts, Cummings earned the Outstanding Achievement Award from Disabled Student Services at UAlbany in 1994. He was elected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1989-1990.

“I have seen this man make mathematics come alive for many an uncertain undergraduate student,” wrote Maritza Martinez, the assistant dean of the Office of Academic Support Services. “His office is always overflowing with students seeking his knowledge. Every office hour is well utilized by students either currently in his course, or former students for whom math came alive under Paul’s tutelage. They come from all backgrounds, they come from all different levels, and they continue to come to Paul, because in him they found not only a fantastic teacher, but a willing mentor and friend.”

Paul V. Morgan, Sr.
An attorney who engaged in private practice from 1959 to 1974, Professor Paul V. Morgan, Sr. has been a lecturer and adjunct professor of law at the University at Albany for 34 years, and currently is a lecturer in the Accounting and Law department of the School of Business. Morgan was principal law clerk to New York State Supreme Court justices from 1964 to 1987, and was employed at the Office of the New York State Comptroller as assistant deputy counsel to the Comptroller and an associate counsel from 1987 to 1992. He received the School of Business Dean W. Warren Haynes Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching in 1999 and was the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award in recognition of contributions to the disabled student community.

“I feel Professor Morgan epitomizes what good teaching ought to be,” wrote Saurav Dutta, chair of the Department of Accounting and Law in the School of Business. “He is friendly and well-respected by the students, he generates students’ interest in the subject matter, and most importantly, is able to impart knowledge which leads them to success in his course and beyond.”

Joseph W. Sheehan, a local City Court judge as well as a University adjunct faculty member, was equally supportive. “I am honored to attest to Paul Morgan’s impeccable integrity, to his untiring work ethic, and to one particular trait which he displays with uncanny ease, his unparalleled ability to interact with his students in a manner that is not only personable and professional, but which also provides a sense of reassurance to those students who have made inquiries to him.”

Kate Winter
Although technically a part-time teacher, Kate Winter joined the University’s English department faculty in 1981 and is known for making major contributions to the department’s writing program. A prolific writer herself, Winter has written two books, including the 1984 John Ben Snow Prize and RCHA Award-winning “Marietta Holley: Life With Josiah Allen’s Wife.” Recipient of the 1991 University at Albany Student Association Excellence in Teaching Award, Winter earned two faculty research grants on the literature of Hawaii. She is credited with single-handedly reviving the Albany branch of the Sigma Tau Delta National and International English Honors Society.

A member of the Undergraduate Advisory Committee and the President’s Undergraduate Leadership Committee, Winter is also director of the English department’s internship program. “Beyond her record of extraordinary service, her talents as a teacher, and her important role as a mentor and guide, I can attest to the inestimable value of Kate Winter’s presence as a solid, wise, and gracious colleague,” wrote Rosemary Hennessy, associate professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the English department. “Much like the figures she writes about and teaches, Kate Winter has managed to keep alive her unflagging spirit, to continue growing as an intellectual and as a teacher, and to maintain a sense of humor. Above all, she has kept her attention on the main reason I expect she stays: the students.”