CTLT Roundtable Newsletter 2006 Holiday Edition
Fall 2006, Holiday Edition

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 Murray State.

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!


Peggy Munke

Dr. Munke is one of the best teachers I have ever had; she challenges her students.


Nicole Hand

Nicole Hand is an amazing teacher who prepares her students for the world outside of college. I know that I've become the student and aspiring artist that I am because of her.


LaRita D. Henry

I think that LaRita is a very caring teacher. She has made one of my dreams come true. That dream was to find a nice, caring, loving and understanding teacher, and she is that person.


Rob Seay

Dr. Seay reviews his lectures and makes improvements daily. He requires learning in the classroom and does so much more than lecture. He offers explanations twice if required and realizes that not all students learn the same way.


Edward Cox

Dr. Cox has undoubtedly been an inspiration to me this semester. He has gone out of his way to offer guidance and direction in my academic endeavors. Through his outstanding work, I am confident that I can succeed.


Steve Jones

There are many classes and many instructors at Murray State University, but none that will give you the knowledge obtained in a class taught by Dr. Jones. Many classes you take during your college career will require you to memorize some information and reproduce that information for an exam at some point, but fifteen minutes after the final you will forget it. When you take a class with Dr. Jones you will be blessed with an educational experience that has provided you with usable knowledge that you will carry with you throughout your lifetime. Dr. Jones's classes are challenging, but if you are willing to apply yourself and follow the "Jonesmobile" for the entire journey you will reach your destination armed with knowledge and life skills. Not only is Dr. Jones a fantastic instructor, he is also one of the finest human beings you will ever have the privilege of meeting.


Jacqueline Hansen

Dr. Hansen is truly one of the best teachers on MSU's campus. Dr. Hansen cares about her students and would do anything to help anyone out.


James LaValle

I feel Dr. LaValle should be recognized as the greatest teacher on campus this year because he has an innovative teaching style and a great sense of humor. These two things combined with his diverse background make him a unique teacher like none other here at Murray State. He is one of a kind. Jim is like a diamond in the rough--very rare. Dr. LaValle makes learning and going to class fun. He should be honored for his outstanding work not only as a great teacher but also as a great human being.


Paula Waddill

I have Dr. Waddill for a psychology class and I was scared that this class was going to be very hard. It was definitely challenging, but she made it very fun and interesting!


Andy Kellie

Dr. Kellie is an excellent teacher—very professional with thorough methods and teaching concepts.


George Kipphut

Dr. Kipphut was the first science teacher who could explain material where I understood science. I worked hard, but I enjoyed science for the first time.


Greg Gierhart

Dr. Giehart is an excellent instructor and friend. He has gone out of his way to assist his students. He is by far one of the greatest instructors at Murray State.


David Eaton

Dr. Eaton is by far the best teacher I have taken at Murray State. He almost turned me into an economics major just after one class.


Charlotte Beahan

Dr. Beahan is an awesome instructor and a great mentor. She is encouraging and supportive of her students. She is also a great role model.


Keith Dooley

I personally think that Dr. Dooley is a great teacher because he is always available to lend extra help to his students, and he really cares about us.


Loetta Gibson

Ms. Gibson is in the SSLD department and has helped me a lot in things that have to do with school and things outside of school. I believe she truly deserves this award.


Steve Cox

Dr. Cox makes class very interesting. He makes you want to come to class. He is very helpful and takes time to talk to students when they have questions. He is concerned about the students in the department and wants to see that all students succeed.


Brenda Wilson

Dr. Wilson really cares about her students and is an awesome professor.


Bonnie McNeely

Mrs. McNeely really helped me in my public speaking skills. I really appreciate her enthusiasm and sincerity. She is the best teacher I have had on this campus.


William DeWees

He always goes out of his way to make time to help students. He is a wonderful teacher, and he tailors everything to the students. He relates everything learned in class to the real world and practical applications.


Brenda Wilson

Dr. Wilson presents the material in a fashion that everyone can enjoy and understand!


Lara Homsey

I have never seen a professor so enthusiastic about teaching. She also takes time out to make sure you understand the topics.


Kate He

Dr. He has gone above and beyond to help her students understand biology. She is always willing to make sure if we need help that we get it. I really appreciate her dedication and hard work.


Todd Hill

He is just a great instructor. He has really helped me learn the material I need to know for a session. He always goes the extra mile when I need it. He is not only a wonderful instructor, but he is also a wonderful man.


Dwayne Driskill

Dr. Driskill is a very thorough, caring instructor who excels in his job. I enjoyed every day in his class.


Paul McNeary

Dr. McNeary is a man who is always trying to make MSU a better place for the student and teacher. It takes everybody working together to make the university grow.


Celia Wall

Dr. Wall is the most devoted teacher I have had at Murray State. She is willing to meet with students any time they have a question. She is a great teacher, and I have learned so much in her classes. She is a sweet lady, and I respect her greatly.


Patsy Nichols

Dr. Nichols is a great teacher—she's very patient and willing to work with her students.


Bill Mulligan

Over the course of my history studies I have had many teachers who have shaped and guided me. Many of my professors at Murray State were outstanding, but none had as much personal concern and caring with their students as Dr. Mulligan. I have had two classes with Dr. Mulligan, and both were excellent. He not only taught history with enthusiasm, but he also shared valuable personal stories about his experiences and findings. I had the opportunity to go on two field trips with Dr. Mulligan, in which he gave up full Saturdays to not only give students further educational experience but to get to know the students as well. On both of these field trips Dr. Mulligan was knowledgeable and personal. As a future educator, I look at his example of how to treat students in a professional yet personal manor. Having such a relationship in and out of the classroom as well as going beyond classroom instruction makes Dr. Mulligan a very special professor. He has not only shaped my outlook on history as a field of study but has also shaped my understanding of what it means to be a personable and effective teacher. Thank you, Dr. Mulligan, for being more than a professor. Thank you for being a mentor willing to go that extra mile.


Greg Gierhart

Professor Gierhart is an outstanding teacher because he truly loves his students and teaching. He goes out of his way to help his students. His teaching style is extraordinary, his students enjoy learning, and he makes learning about math fun!


Johan Koren

I would like to nominate Dr. Johan Koren as an outstanding teacher. Dr. Koren is the Coordinator of the Library Media Program. He exemplifies an effective instructor by providing quick and positive feedback, demanding the best from his graduate students, and demonstrating his wealth of information on library science. If he does not know the answer, he does his best to try to find the answer! He works hard to bring attention to the Library Media Program at Murray State University by devoting his time to tell about the program at events and functions and promoting the program through online sources. I believe that Dr. Koren should be considered as a favorite teacher at Murray State University.


Betty Driver


Bonnie Higginson


James Davis


Ryan Morrow


David Poynor


Farouk Umar


Dave Gesler


Michael Lanier


Traci Purcell


Edie Banner