Shorter College professors honored with teaching awards

May 26, 2010 - Two Shorter College professors, both of whom are Shorter graduates, were honored for their dedication to teaching and scholarship during Shorter’s Spring 2010 commencement ceremony.

Dr. Ben McFry, chair of the humanities department and assistant professor of English and German, was selected as the 2009-2010 Vulcan Materials Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award.

The $1,000 award is given to a junior faculty member who displays strong campus leadership, creative course development, pioneering teaching methodology and instructional support along with model classroom teaching. The professor must also be helpful in advising students and illustrate a willingness to spend individual time with students in order to assist them academically.

Dr. Ben McFry, left, accepts   the 2009-2010 Vulcan Materials Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award from Shorter Provost Craig Shull.

Dr. McFry, employed with Shorter since 2007, is “truly a student-focused team player,” said Shorter College Provost Craig Shull. “His teaching is exemplary. He has given humanities seminars that are cutting-edge technologically, combining multi-media, with best practices of teaching … Dr. McFry guides, rather than lectures. His understanding of complex electronic equipment and his knowledge of technology allow him to pioneer in teaching methodologies in unique ways. He serves the Shorter College learning community in a variety of ways, large and small, and his Christ-like humility creates community with all as he does so.” Dr. McFry is a 2004 graduate of Shorter College.

Dr. Craig Allee, dean of Shorter’s School of Sciences and Mathematics and W. Frank Barron Jr. Professor of Biology, was presented with the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship. The $4,000 award is given to a senior faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching and scholarship.

Dr. Allee, an employee of Shorter since 1968, teaches anatomy and physiology, microbiology, parasitology, medical terminology and science seminar. He also serves as the allied health advisor for pre-med students.

Dr. Craig Allee, right, accepts the President ’ s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship from Shorter Provost Craig Shull.

“Dr. Allee strives in all he does to prepare students for careers in biology and medicine,” said Shull. “During his 40-plus-year tenure at Shorter, in addition to working as a faculty member and dean, Dr. Allee has served as Men’s Counselor, Dean of Men, Dean of the Division of Student Services, Chairman of the Division of Natural Sciences and as the faculty advisor to the Beta Beta Beta Biological Society.” Dr. Allee has received numerous other awards over the years at Shorter, including the Shorter College Alumni Association Faculty Award and Most Spirited Faculty Award. “The excellence and longevity of his diligence and intelligence are remarkable,” Shull said. Dr. Allee is a 1963 graduate of Shorter College.

A committee selected the recipients of these two awards after reviewing nomination forms submitted by students, faculty, staff and alumni.

­­­ Founded in 1873, Shorter College is a Christian college committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges. The college offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 48 major areas as well as undergraduate degree programs for working adults, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Education and the Master of Arts in Leadership. Online courses are also available. Shorter will transition to university status June 1, 2010. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu.

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