News Summary
Lander University recently honored distinguished faculty members for their teaching, scholarship, and service. Dr. Zach Rubin was named Distinguished Professor of the Year. The ceremony also celebrated graduating seniors from Lander’s Honors College who received accolades for their contributions and aspirations, emphasizing the university’s commitment to academic achievement and community engagement.
Greenwood, SC – Lander University Honors Faculty and Graduating Seniors
Lander University has awarded its highest teaching, scholarship, and service honors for the academic year 2024-25 to four distinguished faculty members at a recent ceremony. Key among the recipients, Dr. Zach Rubin, an associate professor of sociology, was named Lander’s Distinguished Professor of the Year for his exceptional contributions in academia.
Dr. Rubin’s accolades stem from his significant body of work, which includes the authorship of nine peer-reviewed journal articles and the development of four peer-reviewed teaching resources since he joined the university in 2019. His commitment to student engagement is highlighted by his organization of the 2023 Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium, which promoted student research opportunities. In addition, he plays a vital role in the Bear Necessities Food Pantry, an initiative aimed at combating food insecurity among college students. Dr. Rubin attributes his success to the support he has received from both his colleagues and the students.
Alongside Dr. Rubin, Zachary E. Wilson, a founding member of Lander’s Honors College and a licensed professional counselor, received the Professor for Affordable Learning Award. Wilson has been commended for his compassionate teaching approach and his dedication to providing low or no-cost educational materials, making higher education more accessible for students.
Another notable recipient is Dr. Chase T. Worley, an assistant professor of mathematics who emphasizes the importance of affordable course materials in his teaching. Engaging students in research projects, Dr. Worley has fostered an inclusive learning environment since joining Lander’s faculty in 2021. His innovative teaching methods have gained recognition within the university.
Additionally, Heather C. Bennett, a lecturer in psychological science, has been acknowledged for her dedication to teaching since she joined Lander in 2020. Like her colleagues, Bennett focuses on providing low-cost educational materials to enhance student learning experiences.
The awards ceremony also recognized graduating seniors from Lander’s Honors College, who received accolades for their academic achievements and future aspirations. Graduating senior William Jermon Franklin is set to pursue PhD programs after garnering multiple accolades for his research in chemistry. Saraiya Carr plans to volunteer internationally before starting law school, while Andrew Goforth will take on a teaching position in history and coaching football at Greenwood High School.
Other graduates include Rebekah Long, who is preparing to attend dental school after serving as a peer tutor and surgery assistant. Additionally, Noah Durham has studied abroad and will continue his education with postgraduate studies in business analytics in England this fall. Dr. Lillian Craton, a faculty member at Lander, praised the graduates for embarking on significant careers across diverse fields, including healthcare and marketing.
During the ceremony, students were also recognized for their academic excellence, with Honors Medalists and Honors Pin recipients being celebrated for their hard work and dedication throughout their studies at Lander University.
This year’s ceremony not only highlighted the impressive achievements of faculty members but also showcased the potential of Lander’s graduates, affirming the institution’s commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures both academic performance and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Lander Faculty Awards
- Wikipedia: Academic Honors
- GoLaurens: Lander Student Life Awards
- Google Search: Lander University awards
- GoLaurens: Lander Honors College Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Index Journal: Lander College of Arts and Humanities
- Google News: Lander University graduation ceremony
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