Ohio State professor Keith Irvin was named one of the best teachers among colleges of food and agriculture on Nov. 17.
Irvin, who teaches genetics in the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at OSU, was named the north central regional recipient of the Excellence in College and University Teaching in Food and Agricultural Sciences Award.
Several materials and documents are required for the nomination process of this award, which take several months to complete. Bob Moser, vice president and dean of CFAES, and L.H. Newcomb, senior associate dean of CFAES, jointly nominated Irvin for the award.
“We are delighted to see Keith win this most deserved national honor,” Newcomb said.
Irvin was presented with the award at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges in Washington, D.C.
“I was informed of the award and the NASULGC meeting, where the award was presented last week, in just enough time to make plans to attend,” Irvin said. “The meeting and awards presentation was a completely humbling experience.”
Recipients of these awards are selected by their peers from around the country in a national evaluation process. This year, recipients competed with 80 other nominees to receive their recognition, said Pamela Sumpter, spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This is the only national award recognizing teaching excellence by the USDA,” Sumpter said. “We only recognize ten individuals each year from around the country. Recipients are evaluated not only on their teaching excellence within their respective departments, but must also demonstrate superior achievement on their university campus as well.”
Beginning his career at OSU in 1975, Irvin embraced the Student Centered Learning Initiative and helped develop problem-solving activities and project-centered learning in his classes.
“For his competence and compassion, he is one of America’s very best,” Newcomb said. “All of us at OSU are blessed to have such an esteemed colleague.”
Irvin considers this award an opportunity.
“This award has and will continue to enhance my career and my interactions with students,” Irvin said. “It is so nice to get a pat on the back and to also reflect on the new sense of opportunity to enhance quality teaching and learning.”
Irvin is among eight regional award winners and two national winners. As a result of the award, $2,000 will be disbursed to CFAES to help strengthen instructional programs within the college.
