Two fine arts faculty saluted for teaching excellence

KALAMAZOO—Two Western Michigan University faculty members have been selected to receive the College of Fine Arts Dean's Teaching Award, recognizing them as "learner-centered, award-winning faculty artists."

Nichole Maury, associate professor of art, and Dr. David Montgomery, a master faculty specialist in the School of Music and director of the Bronco Marching Band, were nominated by students and participated in a teaching review process. That process required submission of a teaching portfolio with clear evidence of student learning outcomes. Candidates also had to undergo an observation of their teaching and an interview with Dr. Margaret Merrion, dean of the WMU College of Fine Arts.

Every year, about 10 faculty members are nominated by students, alumni, peers and even community members. In Montgomery's case, community members and directors of high school bands noted his outstanding work with the Bronco Marching Band and other sports bands, including hockey and basketball.

Nichole Maury

Maury joined the Frostic School of Art in 2005. She earned a master's degree in printmaking from the University of Iowa and a bachelor's degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Prior to coming to WMU, she taught monoprint and lithography at Iowa State University and worked at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

An accomplished printmaker, Maury routinely sees to it that her students seek study abroad opportunities, submit their work for juried exhibitions and attend professional conferences. In this award, she was recognized for advancing distinctive learning opportunities—a goal of the academic affairs strategic plan.

David Montgomery

Montgomery came to WMU in 2004 from Kansas State University, where he was working as a graduate teaching assistant and had earned a master's degree in music education. He received his bachelor's degree in music education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.