Exemplars of engaging education honored with Distinguished Teaching Award
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Whether challenging them to grow outside their comfort zones or taking time to personally counsel students through career decisions, the best instructors inspire, empower and instill confidence in students to reach their full potential. Those qualities are exemplified by Drs. Whitney DeCamp, Timothy Palmer and Dee Sherwood, Western Michigan University's 2024 Distinguished Teaching Award honorees.
The Distinguished Teaching Award is the highest honor bestowed upon Western faculty for their teaching work. It recognizes instructors who take an active role in mentoring students by fostering critical thinking and inspiring engagement.
"These three faculty members exemplify the utmost dedication, passion, and excellence in teaching, setting a standard for us all,” says Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “They have been recognized for their dedication both inside and outside of the classroom, in making complex topics accessible and in their compassionate approach to teaching. It is an honor to recognize Dr. DeCamp, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Sherwood with Distinguished Teaching Awards. Their passion, mentorship and dedication are examples for all of us at Western.”
DeCamp, Palmer and Sherwood will be honored at the Fall Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 11, alongside recipients of other prestigious campuswide awards, including the Distinguished Faculty Scholar, Distinguished Service, Emerging Scholar, Excellence in Diversity and annual Make a Difference awards. The event begins at 11 a.m. in Kirsch Auditorium of the Fetzer Center.
Dr. Whitney DeCamp
DeCamp, professor of sociology, joined Western's faculty in 2011. His wide range of teaching interests includes criminal justice, criminology and statistics as well as technology and society. His most recognized work focuses on video games—specifically the connection between violent media and behavior.
In addition to teaching a variety of courses, he has served on a number of thesis and dissertation committees and mentored dozens of students to success in their chosen fields of study.
"He is not only very easy to reach with questions and concerns, but his passion allows the course material to be both engaging and informational, making it easy for students to be successful in his class while also expanding their knowledge in the field," says Shelby Wilmot, B.S.'24, who was mentored by DeCamp. "His expertise in the field has made a significant impact on my (honors) thesis, and I can imagine it would not be nearly as successful if it was not for Dr. DeCamp."
Students emphasize DeCamp's passion for engaging with students and being extremely responsive to their needs, going above and beyond to make himself available in the classroom and beyond.
"I am impressed by his commitment to the University, department and the students. He models excellence, efficiency and ethics in his role as faculty, in a way that leaves us inspired to mirror those qualities," says Jennifer Therrien, a doctoral student. "Dr. DeCamp's baseline is excellence, going above and beyond what is expected. The result is a little corner of the world that is made better through his steadfast efforts."
Colleagues commend DeCamp's willingness to support students in independent studies and theses as well as taking part in courses to improve his own teaching prowess and grow as a "better listener, educator, mentor, leader and learner." He has previously received the Excellence in Discovery Award and an Innovative Teaching Award at the University level as well as a Faculty Achievement Award in Research and Creative Activity and Faculty Achievement Award in Teaching from the College of Arts and Sciences.
"I'm always amazed at how much effort he puts into his teaching, the impact his work has on both our undergraduate and graduate students, and how he regularly shows me what excellence in teaching looks like," says Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten, a colleague in the Department of Sociology.
Dr. Timothy Palmer
Palmer, professor of management and director of the Center for Sustainable Business Practices, came to Western in 2000. His teaching interests include strategic management as well as ethics and sustainability.
His passion for sustainability and emphasis on service-learning create impactful opportunities for students to not only gain resume-worthy experiences but also learn more about themselves.
"Dr. Palmer demonstrated a unique ability to inspire and educate. He effectively communicated the importance of sustainable business practices, not only as a theoretical concept but as a vital component of a better world," says Sudipto Debnath, a student. "His teachings extend beyond the classroom; they encourage students to envision and work towards a sustainable future."
"There are many great professors at WMU; however, Tim’s trailblazing efforts in sustainable development here at the University have made WMU socially relevant and competitive while also providing opportunities for WMU students to find purpose and belonging. Beyond this, he has brought an unparalleled and honest humanity to this campus that is inspiring for all who encounter it," adds Will Roosien, B.B.A.’24.
Palmer created the Sustainability in India study abroad program, which challenges students to see how businesses can think beyond profit margins for the greater good of their communities. In addition to visiting Fortune 500 corporations to talk about sustainability practices and meeting with nonprofit organizations working with India's marginalized populations, students are also immersed in Indian culture. Many call the experience "life-changing."
In addition to encouraging growth academically and professionally, many students say Palmer genuinely cares about their well-being and personal growth.
"Over the past four years, Dr. Palmer has been so much more than a professor to me and to so many other students. He is not only an outstanding professor whose passion for his subject is contagious but to many, he is a friend," writes Victoria Loikits, B.B.A.’24.
"Tim has helped me conquer various challenges in my life—helping me through tough times and helping me unlock potential I wouldn’t have grasped without him," Roosien says. "Tim doesn’t let his students take the easy road and he holds them accountable, enforcing meaning behind words. In this way, he pushes people, as the best sort of professor would, to become better learners and citizens. … I came to Western to be moved and inspired. Because of Tim Palmer, I was."
Dr. Dee Sherwood
Sherwood, associate professor of social work, joined Western's School of Social Work in 2012. Her research, teaching and practice focus on critical pedagogy in social work education; intercultural competence, environmental justice, and intergenerational trauma and resilience, especially in Indigenous communities; and organizational and leadership development.
"Dr. Sherwood is a great research and academic advisor who is approachable, understanding and knowledgeable. She cares about both the students and the University more than any other professor I have seen. Due to Dr. Sherwood’s support, I have newfound confidence in myself as a researcher and approach the rest of my master's program in a steadfast manner," writes Ava Leahy, a graduate student who worked with Sherwood as a graduate research assistant.
"Her courses are astounding as well as her knowledge and relatability. She is always available and never leaves any details out," adds graduate student Skyler Wolverton.
Sherwood serves as director of Western's Native American Affairs Council, which she helped establish at the University alongside colleagues from across the institution as well as leaders of tribal communities. The council works to develop educational initiatives and strengthen relationships with tribal nations, Native communities, Native-serving institutions and faculty, staff and administration at WMU. Sherwood is also advisor for the Native American Student Organization (NASO).
Wolverton first met Sherwood through his involvement with the NASO. He says she helped him feel empowered and confident in his cultural identity. "She goes out of the way to be inclusive to everybody and make sure they are heard and receive the attention they need. She has taught me how to organize myself, other people, events, and more."
"Dr. Sherwood's drive to be a mentor for my success has helped me become an influential member of my community and a more confident leader," adds Shabanaa Bush, an undergraduate student and current NASO president.
Colleagues see Sherwood as a champion for social justice and the inclusion of Native American perspectives and cultures across the learning environment. They admire her commitment to supporting and giving a voice to everyone she meets.
"There is a famous quote that has been attributed to many that states, 'Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.' Well, that sums up Dr. Dee Sherwood in a nutshell. She cares deeply, works tirelessly and shows up for students, faculty, staff and our community on a regular basis," says Dr. Luchara Wallace, dean of Merze Tate College.
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