This award is given by the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University to recognize faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the college’s mission to help students succeed in life and contribute to the betterment of our communities. Faculty may be nominated based on their outstanding support of undergraduate and/or graduate student engagement and success through outstanding mentoring, advising, or other efforts to support students.
Award winners receive a plaque or trophy and are honored at the college faculty and staff award ceremony held during the spring semester. Winners may be invited to present a lecture, seminar, or lunch presentation focused on excellence in student success. In addition, award winners receive $1,000, which is deposited into their departmental WRAP account, which can be spent in accordance with university policies for WRAP expenditures. Up to four awards, between faculty and staff, will be made each year.
Deadline for Nominations
Nominations are due February 15 of every academic year while funds are available
2021 Recipient Information | Dr. Michael Ryan
Economics
Dr. Mike Ryan does an outstanding job meeting with and advising undergraduate students interested in Economics. He is the primary point of contact, the all-around go-to person that every instructor, graduate teaching associates, and certainly undergraduate students of the department (and oftentimes outside of the department) rely on for consultation, information, guidance and problem-solving. Dr. Ryan does an outstanding job meeting with and advising undergraduate students interested in Economics. In fact, Dr. Ryan led department discussions related to how our courses might fit in the new Western Essential Studies model and was instrumental in the creation of an additional undergraduate major, the Bachelor of Science in Economics. Both of these efforts have had positive impacts on the department. Dr. Ryan has demonstrated outstanding knowledge and skill in undergraduate academic advising, and utmost concern and commitment to student success and wellbeing.
Nominee Eligibility
All current, continuing board-appointed persons with faculty rank are eligible to receive this award unless they have received this award within the last five years.
Award Selection Criteria
- An accumulated outstanding record of promoting student engagement and success, as expressed through mentoring, advising, or other efforts to support student success.
- Clear impact of the nominee’s mentoring, advising, or innovative efforts to promote student success and engagement.
Required Nomination Materials
- Complete the above nomination web form.
- A statement from the nominator detailing how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in promoting student success.
- Nominations may also include statements of support from colleagues, supervisors, students, etc. in the form of memos, letters and emails.
Submit a Nomination
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact the College of Arts and Sciences dean's office with any questions or concerns.