Kelechi selected as CASE SC Professor of the Year
It’s common in the land of academia to hear students bemoan the efforts of their teachers, but the opposite is true for Teresa Kelechi, Ph.D., R.N., assistant professor and track coordinator for the Adult Clinical Specialist masters degree program in the College of Nursing (CON).
“She
is an enthusiastic teacher who isn’t afraid to try innovative techniques.
Her passion for her work is clear to every student as is her concern for
their learning,” said Randy Beckett, CON.
Kelechi was recently selected as the 2004 South Carolina Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for her teaching achievements.
The CASE US Professors of the Year Program, which began in 1981, seeks to increase awareness of the importance of excellent undergraduate instruction at all colleges and universities. Each year, one professor in each state is recognized for outstanding contributions to teaching.
John Lippincott, president of CASE said, “For our award-winning state and national Professors of the Year, teaching is not a job, it is a calling. They are as dedicated to their students as they are to their disciplines, and they are exceptional in their ability to engage students in the learning process. Their commitment and enthusiasm make it possible to forge strong connections with students that transcend the classroom or the lab. They do more than impart knowledge; they inspire and motivate students.”
Nominated professors are judged on their impact and involvement with undergraduate students, scholarly approaches to teaching, their commitment and contributions to undergraduate education, and support from current and former colleagues.
Kelechi teaches classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has an active foot care clinic at MUSC that incorporates patient care, student teaching, and research.
In addition to her roles as teacher and practitioner, she also conducts research in several areas. Recently, she was awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Nursing Research to study skin temperature and perfusion in venous disease.
Kelechi’s students aren’t the only ones who appreciate her enthusiasm
and passion for academia. Tara Hulsey, Ph.D., R.N., CON associate dean
for faculty, nominated her for the award stating that she “has consistently
demonstrated effectiveness with significant contributions in the university’s
three areas of academic pursuit: teaching, scholarship, and service.
Colleagues respect Dr. Kelechi, and she is valued for her expertise and
commitment to the College of Nursing.”
Friday, March 4, 2005
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