Waynesburg University presented the 2022 Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards to three faculty members during the University’s annual Charter Day celebration March 22 in Roberts Chapel.
The awards recognize faculty in three categories: Excellence in Teaching by Part-Time Faculty, Excellence in Introductory Subjects and History of Teaching Excellence.
“Waynesburg College (now Waynesburg University) was established for the purpose of educating students to serve God and to serve others,” said Provost Dr. Dana Cook Baer. “On Charter Day, we celebrate not only those who founded Wayensburg College, but also three faculty members who, together with their colleagues, continue that mission by teaching with excellence.”
Excellence in Teaching by Part-Time Faculty
Recognizes a non-full-time faculty member who teaches at any Waynesburg University site or online.
Recognized as being a “key part-time faculty member” in the Biblical and Ministry Studies Program, Jacob Judy, lecturer in Biblical and Ministry Studies, received the 2022 Excellence in Teaching by Part-Time Faculty Award.
Nominations for Judy shared that he “keeps students engaged and makes the content interesting while making students work hard.”
Judy was praised for bringing “a warm combination of enthusiasm and devotion to the study of the Old Testament.”
Another nomination said that he is “reliable, well prepared and desires to foster a hospitable learning environment for students.”
Judy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Waynesburg University and a Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
In addition to teaching at Waynesburg, Judy is a full-time United Methodist Church pastor and is pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Excellence in Introductory Subjects
Recognizes a faculty member with teaching excellence in introductory subjects.
Described as being “a capable and encouraging mentor” and “true, forever learner,” Dr. Kenneth Cairns, assistant professor of criminal justice and University counselor, received the 2022 Excellence in Introductory Subjects Award.
Nominations for Dr. Cairns shared that he “brings a combination of academic achievements and professional experience to the classroom” and that he makes learning accessible and enjoyable.
Another nomination stated that he “understands the University’s mission, and embraces and embodies that mission through his teaching and mentorship.”
Dr. Cairns has been with the University since January 2019 and is a Pennsylvania licensed psychologist.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Adelphi University, a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree, also from Case Western Reserve University.
Prior to teaching at Waynesburg, Dr. Cairns supervised the delivery of mental health services to more than 16,000 inmates at the nine state correctional institutions in the western region of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
History of Teaching Excellence
Recognizes a faculty member with a history of teaching excellence.
Presented as a faculty member who “treasures every contribution made by a student in the classroom,” Dr. Lawrence Stratton, associate professor of ethics and constitutional law, received the 2022 History of Teaching Excellence Award.
It was mentioned that he “is an excellent teacher, not only for extraordinary intelligence, but also for the genuine interest in both the subject matter and the students.”
One colleague stated that he “raises the bar for our students, presenting thought-provoking material and exposes students to a blend of lecturing and Socrative teaching.”
A student nomination for Dr. Stratton shared that he “does not do what he does to be rewarded, he does it for the love of his students and the future of this world.”
Dr. Stratton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a Master of Divinity degree and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Princeton Theological Seminary.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Stratton is the Director of the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership at Waynesburg University.
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 a part-time faculty member. Faculty members were nominated by students, faculty or alumni. Each recipient will receive 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.
“We are grateful to the Lucas-Hathaway Charitable Trust for providing the opportunity for us to recognize outstanding faculty members every year,” added Dr. Baer. “The three faculty members who were selected this year are talented and compassionate individuals. They represent the many faculty and staff members at Waynesburg University who recognize that the gifts we have received are not ours alone.”
