Bruce Ackley was recently surprised with the Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the middle of lab for HCS 5411 Domestication and Utilization of Agronomic Crops.
The Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer is an annual award that recognizes faculty members across The Ohio State University; awardees are selected by a committee of students, faculty and alumni.
Dr. Alex Lindsey nominated Bruce for the award and shared Bruce "has an established track record of teaching excellence and is highly deserving of the award. Currently he's the instructor for two standing courses in HCS, as well as the Lab Instructor for two additional courses. His instructional efforts in entry-level major classes is key to ensuring our students feel welcome, engaged, and supported on their ultimate pursuit of a career in agricultural science."
Furthermore, Alex shared that Bruce's "efforts to educate have always extended beyond the classroom. He's an active participant in outreach and education events, and regularly connects with students and teachers from K-12 schools to help them learn about agriculture, weeds, and farming. His connection to the agricultural industry helped facilitate growing live plant samples for use in weed identification training exercises for private companies as well as for the state-wide campus of OSU through the Department of Extension. He is proud to be a positive (though informal) ambassador for the university, and is a great example of what it means to be a Buckeye."
Luckily, Bruce had a moment to give us a glimpse into what a day is like in the classroom...
what were your initial thoughts on receiving this award?
My initial thought was one of gratitude. I am thankful for the privilege of instructing so many exceptional students over the last twenty years, for the colleagues and friends who nominated me, and for being in a fantastic department surrounded by phenomenal people who motivate, inspire, and support me.
What sparked your interest in teaching?
A couple of amazing teachers during my student career showed that you can truly make a lasting impact on a student’s life.
What’s one of the most interesting things you’ve learned while teaching?
Our students bring incredibly unique perspectives and backgrounds to the classes I have taught for a long time. Every time I step in front of a classroom, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can lead to teachable moments that will last a lifetime.
How do you stay up to date on advancements in the industry to share with your students?
Remaining active in the vibrant world of agriculture involves discussions with colleagues about teaching and research, conversations with industry friends regarding their advancements, and engaging with former students about their experiences. Additionally, I connect with current students to learn what they have heard about, what excites them, and what they wish to explore. I also enjoy the process of finding the right person to assist students with questions I cannot answer because, as we all know, no one person has all the answers.
Closing thoughts?
Throughout my career, all I ask of students is to give their best. I remind them that my best differs from their best and from any other student in the class, and it can vary day to day based on everything happening in their lives at any given moment. Don't judge yourself against others; you know your best. I tell them I will give my best with the same considerations, and at least a little bit of this award proves that this advice is sound advice ;-).
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