In Spring 2016 we received 43 nominations for Appreciation Awards! We are glad so many SSD students had great experiences with faculty and staff this semester and took the time to send in their nominations. The full list of nominees is available in PDF form at the following link Clock Award List Spring 2016 . The full list of past nominees is available on the SSD Appreciation Award page of our website.
Here are some excerpts from students’ nominations:
Michael F. Becker, Ph.D. – Electrical and Computer Engineering
…he was very kind and offered generous flexibility during this semester…he worked with me to reschedule or extend assignment deadlines with no questions asked…he took special precautions in keeping the privacy and confidentiality of my matter. I was very lucky enough to have this instructor for my lab oriented courses. He showed patience and time in listening to my concerns as the semester progressed and in removing hurdles I encountered.
Lauren Blondeau, MA – Statistics and Data Sciences
Dr. Blondeau is a wonderful lecturer and has an extremely uplifting spirit. She is also a very understanding professor, who has helped me overcome a lot of stress through her kind nature. Dr. Blondeau is both professional and personable, which makes her very approachable. I hope to have more professors who are just as motivated and inspiring.
Sarah Collins, Ph.D. – Statistics and Data Sciences
She is just a wonderful professor to have that cares about the students she teaches. She makes the effort to get to know as many names as she can and remember them in a class of 100. She truly deserves some recognition for her effort she puts into her students. When I can to talk to her she just made sure that I was doing the best I can and made sure to give me everything I need to succeed. She showed me that there are professors who care at UT and that deserves recognition.
Richard Crawford, Ph.D. – Mechanical Engineering
…He is demanding of his students and thorough in his lectures. His thoughtful insights provided my project team with a great resource throughout the semester, and what I’ve learned from his expertise will continue to benefit me for the entirety of my career. Especially in this class with such sensitive time deadlines, he was caring and considerate in provisioning for accommodations for all students having unique needs.
Christopher Ernst, Ph.D. – History
…He really went above and beyond to make sure everyone’s needs were met: SSD and the class as a whole. He showed he cared and in doing so made a comfortable and accepting atmosphere in which learning thrived. He has pushed me to become a better student. This semester was the best I’ve had because of his efforts.
Jakob Holm, MA – Germanic Studies
He was incredibly flexible with my accommodations, and he repeatedly went out of his way to encourage me. On multiple occasions he acknowledged the challenges I’m facing, even telling me that he’s impressed by my effort. Since my disabilities often interfere with my academic performance, the validation and encouragement were very meaningful. More than any professor I’ve had before, I really felt that he wanted me to be successful.
We are grateful to all the wonderful faculty and staff who create a supportive and accessible environment for students at UT!