Students Nominate Great Teachers Yet Again!
Over the past year CTLT has maintained a nomination form on RacerNet. Students who saw it could use it to nominate a faculty member who had made a difference to them. There was no reward or incentive for a student to complete a form. They did it because they wanted to do it. We are publishing the students’ responses to provide some insight into the classrooms at
Please note that these nominations are not part of a scientific poll. The nomination site received very little publicity. Many (possibly most) students never saw it and thus many excellent faculty were not recognized. What these nominations do reflect however, is the climate of caring that exists at the university. MSU faculty are involved and engaged with their students and it shows!
Suguru Nakamura
Dr. Nakamura cares so much that every student in his classroom is learning. He encourages everyone to do his or her best. His classes are very challenging, yet very rewarding. He is personable and tries to get to know everyone's name and a little about them. Also, he always seems willing to talk to and help students however he can. I think he is very deserving to be recognized as a great teacher.
Terry Strieter
Dr. Strieter always made my days much brighter. He was willing to help anyone who asked. He always seemed to really enjoy his job.
Eric Umstead
Dr. Umstead goes out of his way to make students feel that they are important to him. He's the best professor that I've ever had, and I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to take his class.
Crystal Coleman
Dr. Coleman is, well, Dr. Coleman. She forces her students to look at themselves and accept that what they see and do not like is not someone else's problem...it is their problem that they must deal with and only they are able to deal with. When I dropped off a paper, she challenged me to strive to be better and change. This has had an effect on me and is changing my thinking about school and the importance that I give it. I say Dr. Coleman is a class act. That is why I am nominating her.
Daniel Wann
Dr. Wann's witty, off-the-wall methods for teaching make his class really enjoyable. He knows how to level with his students, giving us the respect that a grown person gives to another adult. While he expects A LOT out of his students, he doesn't ask us for more than we can give and doesn't expect us to know more than he can teach. Dr. Wann's a great teacher, and he's made being a Psychology major worthwhile.
Lana Jennings
Teaching in remedial areas of education requires patience and understanding. The student, lacking in knowledge, needs this understanding in order to feel worthy of continuing and conquering more difficult tasks to come. Lana Jennings displays confidence and pride in her students, and the students in turn feel empowered. Thanks Lana!
Fred Miller
I have always been an average accounting student and did not feel as if I was really learning much. Dr. Miller's class has made me realize how much I have learned and how it will be used in application. He teaches how to use what you have learned, and it has been a great learning experience.
Tom Lough
Dr. Lough is a very dedicated professor. He goes above and beyond the normal teaching responsibilities to ensure all of his students succeed. He has a genuine care for his students. He pushes all of his students to perform at a distinguished level of proficiency. Often he develops a reputation among his students for expecting the best from every student. He is labeled as a “hard instructor that is often impossible to please”. However, he only wants what is best from and for each of his students. I feel that Dr. Tom Lough deserves the Outstanding Educators Award for all of his tireless and dedicated efforts in the education department at Murray State University. I know the personal sacrifices he makes to ensure every student is educated in his class as if they were Harvard students. I feel that Dr. Lough should be recognized for his wonderful teaching.
Gail Hendon
This professor is one of a kind. She is constantly going out of her way to help her students. Although she holds high expectations of us and stands firm concerning her requirements, she brings a loving and positive energy to the classroom. I believe wholeheartedly that she should be recognized for her accomplishments. I do believe a person of this kind-hearted nature deserves credit where credit is due.
Cami Duffy
I think that you are one of the GREATEST communication teachers. You make learning more interesting. You are a teacher who makes learning fun, and your classes make students want to come to class. Thank you for being a teacher.
Lee Kem
I have had the privilege of getting to know Dr. Kem by being a student in one of her classes and also through involvement with the KEA Student Program. Dr. Kem is supportive and encouraging of her students, treating them with respect and making them feel like valued members in the College of Education. Her involvement with concerns of students outside of the classroom goes ‘above and beyond’ the call of her profession and sets a wonderful example of the character and qualities of an excellent educator. It is for these reasons that I wish to nominate Dr. Lee Kem as an outstanding teacher.
Veronica Russell
Very respectful...understanding...available at all times...sweetheart...outstanding teacher...explains everything...funny...fun to be around...overall wonderful!
Barbara Malinauskas
Just wanted to let you know that you are doing a wonderful job. You are a phenomenal teacher. You are what I like to call the "old-fashioned teacher" that comes far and few between. You are strict, but you like to laugh and have fun. You are knowledgeable about your material, and you don't read right out of a book. You make your classes come to life. Thank you for doing your job right, as a professor. Thank you for being a great teacher here on Murray State's campus. Thank you for always being available and helpful when needed. You were a wonderful professor in the semester that I had you. I want to use you as a model for what I want to become as a teacher.
Michael Bokeno
Dr. Bokeno has been such an effective teacher because he has inspired me as a student. He has motivated me to learn and to get involved in class primarily as a result of his thorough teaching, but specifically in these three different ways.
First, whenever he teaches, he always gives us the necessary background information for our material to be studied (extra details not found in our books) to provide for us the context in which to organize the information we are to learn. We then are able to understand the material in a meaningful, comprehensible, and never mechanical way.
Secondly, after providing the appropriate framework to conceptualize the material, he thoroughly explains theorists, their perspectives and their value today. He never just states names and figures. His lectures are always very thorough and in great depth.
Thirdly, he always asks us thought-provoking questions, relating the material to us as individuals and how it affects our lives. These engaging questions further strengthen our understanding of the material.
Thanks to Dr. Bokeno's thorough teaching style, I look forward to each class lecture/discussion. When I walk in that door, I know that I am really going to be taught something. I am actually going to experience what he teaches me. I will not just hear a theory name, but will actually get a feel for the time period it was formulated in, come to understand the heart of the theory, the problems it sought to address, the theorists' motivations for making such a theory, and how it impacts the business world today. This is just one example of how he makes the material come to life, creating a great understanding for the student that will last in the years to come.
Leo Green
Mr. Green did an exceptional job while teaching our class last semester. He kept the class very active and involved, and it made us want to come back to learn more. Thanks Leo Green!
Sheryl Lidzy
Dr. Lidzy, you did a great job teaching our communications class. I just want to say thank you and thanks for pushing us to get things done on time.
Mike Basile
Dr. Basile is one of the best professors MSU has. He is kind and will work with students to make sure that they understand his instructions and the work they have to complete. I was a student of his last year and had a lot going on in my life which hindered my school work. Dr. Basile worked with me so that I was able to get through the work and do a good job as well.
T. Wayne Beasley
He's a good teacher. It is time he got some recognition.
Laura Dawkins
Dr. Dawkins has been an outstanding instructor. After every class period, Dr. Dawkins has always taught me something interesting that can be related to the "real world." Dr. Dawkins teaches many literary courses, but her instruction allows the student to take the knowledge from class and apply it to life situations. Dr. Dawkins is a very understanding teacher who works well with students with learning disabilities. She is never overly harsh or unrealistic with her assignments or deadlines. For students with LDs, Dr. Dawkins accommodates them in every way she can. Working with an instructor who is understanding has made the process of learning and graduating much easier. Dr. Dawkins deserves to be nominated for this award because she is understanding, accommodating, and knowledgeable.
Pat McCutchen
Mrs. Pat goes the extra mile with her students. She gets to know them on a first name basis and always finds the time to help them with any problem they may be having.
Judy Ratliff
Dr. Ratliff is a wonderful teacher. If anyone has a problem she is quick to come to the rescue. She is a life saver!!
Wayne Beasley
Who else but Dr. Beasley can make history interesting, exciting and fun??!!
Lee Kem
Since I got to know Dr. Kem as a teacher and friend, I've found that she's extremely devoted and dedicated. I can talk with her anytime about my school work or personal issues. I believe she's there for students no matter what.
O.L. Robertson
Kate King
Dr. King expects the best from her students and she gets the best. She is there whenever a student needs help, support, and clarification. She gives 110% of her interest and passion for the field of criminal justice. Dr. King actively mentors students and helps them to see goals they never thought of. Students say she is tough, but fair. Dr. King deserves to be recognized for raising the bar.
Shanthi Mohan
Mrs. Shanthi Mohan is simply a wonderful teacher. Her style of teaching English in the class just tantalizes everyone. There is not a single class which I can't still recollect. She is a strict teacher.... yet friendly! There simply can't be any other English teacher out there like her. I can bet my life on that. Mrs. Shanthi Mohan is the BEST TEACHER POSSIBLE ON EARTH!
Veronica Russell
Ms. Russell teaches us many "real-world" things that we can use in our classroom. She has a very down-to-earth personality and runs her classroom well. She respects and listens to us very well.
Gross Magee
Gross Magee is one of the finest instructors on this campus. He takes time out of his day to stop and help a student with just about anything. His curriculum is terrific and covers every possible angle of the course's requirements. Teaching is not just a profession for Gross, but a lifestyle and a talent.
Peggy Pittman-Munke
Dr. Munke has been extremely understanding and helpful to me and other students in her classes.
Janice Stanier
Janice Stanier is a wonderful role model in and out of the classroom. She is always prompt and energetic in class. She definitely extends all resources to her students; she is an amazing person and instructor.
Melody Bernot
Dr. Bernot is an amazing instructor. I honestly believe she would give up every hour of her day to help students. She is so energetic and makes the classroom atmosphere enjoyable.
George Hovis
I haven't met any student who doesn't like Dr. Hovis. He always has a positive attitude toward all his students. He continuously encourages his students and is willing to help them all the time.
Nicole Hand
Mrs. Hand is a tough teacher, but an effective one. She's always looking to further her students artistically and as people. She's dependable and always willing to help if asked! She keeps a strong conviction to teaching while balancing it with being a new mother. I look up to her for her professionalism and integrity.
Lee Kem
Dr. Kem has proven to be one of the most compassionate and patient people I know. She has shown dedication to her students and the entire education field. Thank you, Dr. Kem!!
B.J. Wilson
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wilson this semester. I was impressed with the passion he had in teaching. He not only tried to engage the students in critical thinking, but he also applied aspects of life to the course material. Not only was this an effective approach to the content, but it was also interesting and informative!
Veronica Russell
Ms. Russell is very caring about us and honestly wants us to succeed. She is very outgoing and has an awesome personality. She is a great instructor who relates everything she teaches us to the "real world." Ms. Russell treats us like equals!
Meg Brown
Meg Brown can be persistent and quirky, but it forces and motivates the students to participate. I have learned more in one semester of her course than in a whole year studying Spanish elsewhere. If you are truly wanting to learn a foreign language, I recommend starting off with Meg Brown.
Brian Parr
Dr. Parr is humorous, but gets the job done. He has taken the Collegiate FFA into an organization I thought could only be a dream. His time, dedication and support for the agricultural education program and School of Agriculture have excelled since his first semester in the Fall of 2004. Dr. Parr not only uses class time efficiently, but he also displays positive proof of the outcome in the agricultural department. Dr. Parr is a new and great teacher of excellence.
Sandy Miles
Dr. Miles was my online management teacher for this semester. She always was there to answer any questions we had no matter how stupid they may have seemed to us. She gave us great feedback on all assignments and encouraged us to look deep within ourselves to become the best managers we can be. She is an excellent teacher because she cares about her students and wants them to succeed.
James LaValle
Even though he has only been teaching at Murray State for one semester, Dr. LaValle just seems to be a perfect fit for the Sociology department. His teaching styles and stories are very entertaining and full of wonderful information that most of us don't even notice that we are learning. Anyone who had him this semester knows exactly what I am talking about. I encourage everyone to take his class. He is great!
Michael Jordan
Peggy Pittman-Munke
Dr. Munke is one of the best teachers that I have ever had. Her goal is always to see her students do the best they can. She goes above and beyond in my eyes. I do not think I have ever had a teacher that cares so much for her students as Dr. Munke does. She truly is a GREAT TEACHER!
Bertus Ferreira
Dr. Ferreira uses his knowledge of the field and the whole book to teach his class. Plus, he makes the class very easy to learn in by giving stories of true events that pertain to the lesson. He expects a lot from his students but doesn't give any less.
Kate King
Dr. Kate King is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable and intelligent professors at Murray State. Her lecture style is so organized that you feel as if you are listening to a story rather that sitting in a lecture. She is extremely detailed and descriptive and truly knows her facts; she can always answer students' questions. Dr. King is not a "push-over" and is not the teacher to take for an "easy A" (I have yet to make one in her class!), but she is the best teacher I have taken, and I have learned so much from her classes.
Karen Hartman
Dr. Hartman has been extremely supportive from the time I began thinking about returning to school to earn my BSN. Any help I've needed with finding classes, with questions about assignments, even with support for some problems in my personal life, has been graciously given. This nomination is my way of saying thank you for the way she helped me to grow in my profession and in my life.
Anthony Gannon
Dr. Gannon is quite exceptional. His lectures are plain, simple, and to the point. He will help his students in any way possible and cares if they are learning. Dr. Gannon makes sure his students are well-prepared and is sincere with all of them.
Veronica Russell
Ms. Russell makes every effort to make sure everyone understands. She relates material to real-life situations. She wants us to learn and she tries to make it fun.
Stephen Horwood
Dr. Stephen Horwood is not only an exceptional instructor, but an exceptional human being as well. His experience, patience, wisdom and advice were main contributors to my successful completion of both the Bachelors and Masters degree programs within his department. I began my educational journey at Murray State University in Dr. Horwood's class, not quite knowing where the future would take me. With some wise words from him, I found my way and on the eve of my absolute last class at Murray State University, it is only fitting that it be Dr. Horwood's class. I will forever look back on his influence in my life and consider him not only my teacher and mentor, but also my friend. Thank you for everything Dr. Horwood.
Charlotte Beahan
Dr. Beahan provides a very interesting class and always makes the learning experience enjoyable. She can make the most out of uninteresting subject matter. I really enjoy her class.
Terry Streiter
Barbara Malinauskas
I really like you as a teacher, and I am really glad that I took your communication class.
Lee Kem
Dr. Kem is a caring, wonderful instructor who truly cares about her students and their success. She strives to challenge the students and encourage them to learn. She inspires us all to be better teachers.
Nancy Boling
Dr. Boling is always there for her students. She takes the time to let us know that she cares. Dr. Boling goes above and beyond to make sure her students leave Murray State feeling confident and educated in the teaching profession. I would not be where I am today without her help and guidance. She has made a difference in my academic journey. Above all, she teaches us the real meaning of being reflective decision-makers, which is the theme of our college.