Braden, DePriest, Hamilton receive Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards
Three faculty members received the 2010 Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards during commencement exercises Sunday, May 16.
Presented annually, one award recognizes a faculty member with a history of teaching excellence. A second award recognizes a faculty member for teaching excellence in introductory subjects primarily taken in the freshman and sophomore years. The third award is given to a non-full-time faculty member at any Waynesburg University site.
Dr. Bryan Hamilton, professor of biology, received the 2010 Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Award for a faculty member with a history of teaching excellence. Hamilton joined Waynesburg University in 1989.
Hamilton is known for his quality teaching, his commitment to service and research, and his dedication to his students. One nomination stated, “Due to the intensity of his courses, Dr. Hamilton is always willing to work with students after class and through various study sessions. He incorporates the best of technology and methodology to ensure student learning.”
Hamilton received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Ronda DePriest received the 2010 Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Award for a faculty member with teaching excellence in introductory subjects primarily taken in the freshman and sophomore years.
DePriest, assistant professor of instrumental music and director of the Music Program, has been employed by the University since 2006.
Nominations stated, “Dr. DePriest has developed the music program at Waynesburg University from a small group to a large ever-growing group. She always goes out of her way to reach out to students both majors and non-majors alike. The Symphonic Band is growing more collegiate each day, in our actions and our music.”
DePriest has experienced a remarkable number of accomplishments through her relationships with area band directors and her desire to set lofty goals. DePriest established the annual Conducting Symposium which brings renowned conductors and clinicians to Waynesburg University for a two-day event. The Symposium was created in 2007 and has continued to experience growth and prestige over the last few years.
Nominations also stated that DePriest holds a “high standard of excellence for her students and herself and does not give up or lower her standards.”
She received her Bachelor of Arts from Harding University, a Master of Arts in music from the University of Arkansas and her doctorate degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
Charles Braden received the 2010 Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Award for a non-full-time faculty member. Braden is a lecturer in the undergraduate and graduate Education Programs and also supervises student teachers. He has taught with the University since 2004.
Braden received a Bachelor of Science in special education, his Pennsylvania elementary education certification and his master’s degree in administration from California University of Pennsylvania.
Prior to his role at Waynesburg University, Braden served as a special education teacher, special education supervisor, elementary school principal and the director of Federal Programs.
Braden’s colleague stated, “His teaching philosophies are perfectly aligned with the mission of the University. He provides students the perfect role model of the Christian who has lived a life of service to God, service to his community and service to his profession.”
A nomination deemed Braden’s strength, his ability to incorporate effective teaching practices including real life examples and scenarios.
The Lucas-Hathaway Charitable Trust has established an endowed fund that provides two annual teaching excellence awards for full-time faculty members and one award for an adjunct or part-time faculty member.
Faculty members were nominated by students, faculty or alumni. The recipients of the Lucas-Hathaway Award for Teaching Excellence received a commemorative plaque and a $1,200 award. The Trust is funded by J. Richard Lucas and C. Joan Hathaway Lucas, members of the class of 1950.
Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three adult centers located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and is one of only 27 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.
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Released May 17, 2010
Contact: Pam Cunningham, Assistant Director of University Relations
724.852.3384 or pcunning@waynesburg.edu