In the Non-Health Schools
Robert Inman Miller-Sherrerd Professor of
Finance: Dr. Inman was awarded the Anvil Prize for Outstanding Teaching
as well as Wharton's Outstanding Teacher Award five times and the Excellence
in Teaching Award MBA Division four times. Students were particularly vocal
on the Urban Fiscal Policy course he designed and taught citing that he
masterfully combined academic theory with political and economic realities.
Students commented not only on his breadth of knowledge but on his ability
to convey information. Colleagues noted his ability to teach across a variety
of disciplines. Described as an engaging and captivating lecturer and storyteller,
his courses always have a waiting list. He challenges students to think
for themselves and pushes their analytic abilities. "Twenty years from
now when I talk about urban sprawl I will remember his example." If
the Lindback recognizes teachers who have a lasting impact, then Dr. Inman
succeeds and deserves this.
Peter Stallybrass Professor of English:
He joined the English department in 1988 and is also a member of the
program in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory as well as an Associate
in the Annenberg School. Dr. Stallybrass received the SAS Ira Abrams Award
for Distinguished Teaching in 1997 and served as a Mellon Fellow at the
Folger Shakespeare Library. His teaching evaluations are consistently outstanding
and colleagues and students wrote attesting to his extraordinary accomplishment.
The word "dazzling" occurs repeatedly and many students regard
him as "the best teacher they have ever had," and his courses
as "the best they have taken at Penn." "He is the most exciting,
invigorating professor I have had here." He inaugurated the History
of the Book series to promote intellectual exchange for faculty and
students and it served as an extra course for many graduate students. One
colleague describes him: "Peter's genius as a teacher is in his inimitably
charming, playful, infectious way, to communicate the special pleasures
of engaged and responsible intellectual labor." "Peter is a teacher
in the Socratic sense, an embodiment of the life of the mind at its most
intense and magnetic."
Phillip Nichols Associate Professor Legal
Studies: Dr. Nichols has been a member of the Legal Studies department
at Wharton since 1992. He was the 1996 recipient of the highest prize the
School gives for undergraduate teaching--the Hauck Award--and is a regular
recipient of the School's Excellence in Teaching Award (1993-1999). The
dossier for the Lindback contained over 70 students' letters. One describes
his classes as,"incubators with heated and powerful discussions ensuing
from class materials he has prepared," and another describes the experience
as "learning for its own sake." "Although he gave me the
worst grade I've gotten at Penn, I feel the amount I learned was worth the
lower grade. Real knowledge will take you further than a higher grade in
a course." "At the end of Dr. Nichols' two-hour final exam, the
entire class stood and applauded, and waited in line to shake his hand."
In addition to his work in the classroom, he also receives accolades in
his role as Faculty Master at Stouffer College House, where he is the center
of social and academic life and mentors undergraduates with an open-door
policy. A colleague wrote, he "best represents the integration of academic
life and work into the totality that we call education."
Max Mintz Ennis Professor of Computer and
Information Science: Dr. Mintz joined Penn in 1974 as a member of CIS
in the Engineering School. He has twice won the S. Reid Warren, Jr., Award
of Distinguished Teaching. He is the associate chair of the University Scholars
Program and is also serving his second term as undergraduate chair of CIS.
Dr. Mintz has designed two key courses for CIS and written the textbook
for them. He is described as "funny, animated, exciting, clear, passionate
and dedicated." Even a parent of one of his students took the time
to write saying: "It was Max's concern and caring for my son that made
me look at Penn in a way that drew me to support the school in many ways.
He genuinely cares for students and will do anything necessary to help them
succeed." In the acknowledgments to his dissertation, a former student
wrote: "I only hope that the work I am reporting in this dissertation
meets with Dr. Mintz's approval." One student wrote: "A strong
relationship with a knowledgeable advisor is key for a successful academic
career." Many students regard Dr. Mintz as that advisor.
In the Health Schools
Arthur Asbury Van Meter Professor Emertius
of Neurology: Dr. Asbury joined the neurology faculty of the Medical
School in 1974, and has served as Acting Dean, Vice Dean for Research, Vice
Dean for Faculty Affairs and Vice Chair of Neurology. He is the recipient
of the Resident's Award for Excellence in Teaching as well as the I. S.
Ravdin Master Clinician Award. He is also a fellow of AAAS. "Dr. Asbury's
contributions to the growth and development of modern neurology during the
last 40 years are as immense as they are immeasurable. He is truly one of
the outstanding figures of twentieth-century medicine." "His depth
of knowledge and organized approach to neurologic problems are the model
that I have certainly emulated." "It was because Dr. Asbury was
chairman that I sought out my residency at Penn; he was known as a superior
clinician and teacher. He was and is the consummate traditional academic
clinician." A physician wrote, "Because of his combination of
academic achievement, intellectual skills and personal qualities, Dr. Asbury
is one of the pivotal individuals in my neurological training." A student
said, "Dr. Asbury's importance as a mentor has never flagged. I still
turn to him when I need help with a particularly challenging clinical problem.
He is a strong advocate for young scientists and epitomizes excellence in
teaching."
E. Cabrina Campbell Assistant Professor,
Psychiatry: Dr. Campbell came to Penn as a resident in Psychiatry in
1989 after receiving her M.D. from the University of Arkansas. She was named
Resident of the Year in 1993 and has received the Earl D. Bond Award for
Excellence in Teaching in Psychiatry and the Blockley-Osler Award for Excellence
in Teaching Clinical Medicine. She is responsible for the organization and
running of the psychiatry core clerkship. She teaches undergraduate medical
students and psychiatry residents and participates actively on the residency
recruitment committee and serves as a mentor and advisor for Penn undergraduates.
Her teaching evaluations were uniformly high and students were effusive
in their praise of her teaching. "It was a joy to observe and learn
from her clinical acumen." "It was a privilege to work with her."
"She encourages the residents to strive for excellence, which makes
working with Dr. Campbell a delight." Others noted her sense of humor,
her idea that work is fun, the twinkle in her eyes, and her capacity to
engage with patients. She integrates student suggestions into her courses
and treats her students with respect, as partners in health care. A colleague
wrote, "Cabrina is a rare and gifted teacher."
Cindy Christian Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, CHOP: She came to Penn as an intern in Pediatrics after
receiving her M.D. from Albany Medical College. Dr. Christian has been the
Course Director for three pediatric courses and has modified and adapted
the major clinical course in pediatrics to meet the changing curriculum
patterns. She received the Citation for Excellence in Clinical Teaching
and is a recipient of the Penn Pearls Teaching Award. She has been a multi-disciplinary
teacher working not only with physicians, but also with nurses, social workers,
lawyers, judges and police officers. One student wrote: "During my
rotation with Dr. Christian, I learned how to interact with physically and
sexually abused children; I was given the opportunity to attend homicide
meetings, DHS meetings, and the Philadelphia forensic lab." Letters
from the Office of the Attorney General and from district attorneys also
attest to her superior skills. Others noted her tireless work to improve
the lives of abused and neglected children in her care. A Dental School
colleague wrote that Dr. Christian had a "powerful" effect on
the dental students and made it possible for them to consider child abuse
in their differential diagnoses. Another student explains: "Dr. Christian's
interactions with patients and their families are remarkable for her honesty,
tact, and genuine warmth, in addition to her clinical expertise. She is
truly a role model." Described as "superwoman," students
reported that they could think of no one more deserving of a Lindback.
Ann L. O' Sullivan Associate Professor of
Primary Care Nursing: Dr. O'Sullivan came to Penn in 1972 and received
a Ph.D. here in 1984. Her awards include Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Faculty
Fellowship, Women's Way Award, American Nurses Association Honorary Nursing
Practice Award, the Lillian Sholtis Brunner Award in Innovation in Nursing
and the NPACE Outstanding Community Service Award. She teaches nursing care
of children at both the undergraduate and masters level. A leading authority
on teen pregnancy and prevention, she is recognized throughout the country
for creating the Teen Baby primary care program at CHOP. Students wrote
of her influence noting, "She was instrumental in my decision to pursue
a career in nursing," and "Through working with Dr. O'Sullivan,
I have been inspired to serve my future patients in a similarly compassionate
and intelligent manner." "For more than two decades Dr. O'Sullivan
has served as a teacher, mentor, and advisor to countless number of students.
Through her inspired and sensitive teaching, her vast clinical expertise
and her unique leadership style, she has enriched the educational environment
and profoundly influenced the professional lives of her students and colleagues."
The Provost's Awards
MaryAnn Lafferty-Della Valle Adjunct Associate
Professor of Nursing: Dr. Lafferty joined the faculty in 1974 after
receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. She received Nursing's
Teaching Award in 1988. Her importance to the undergraduates is noted in
numerous letters. A professor writes: "Dr Lafferty is arguably part
of the foundation of our entire undergraduate program--it would not exist
in its present state without her vision and "hands-on" approach
to curriculum and teaching in the classroom and the laboratory." She
has also been an enthusiastic and dedicated instructor in the Pre-freshman
program--her courses received the highest rating. A senior nursing student
remarks: "In the classroom and laboratory, Dr. Lafferty creates a non-threatening
learning environment where students are encouraged both to work independently
and to learn together. She challenges her students and is always prepared
to provide extra resources. She is a warm, enthusiastic, and dedicated professor;
never has another professor at this University taken such a personal interest
in my success." She is the quintessential "distinguished teacher."
Gomaa Omar Research Assistant Professor
of Geology: Dr. Omar received his Ph.D. from Penn and has been a lecturer
in the Geology Department since 1993. His SCUE rating in Geology 201 and
Geology 317 are the highest of any instructor in the College. He positively
influences the lives of students so that they will be more knowledgeable
in geology, more open to life, and more understanding of the world in which
they live. "I learned as much about life as I did about rocks."
Students were especially grateful for his generosity and caring, his honesty
and integrity and his willingness to serve as advisor and mentor. A faculty
member comments: "Omar will continue to persuade bright and motivated
undergraduates that the elegance of the discipline of geology will lead
them to a vocation of challenge and fulfillment. He is a quiet, unobtrusive,
and absolutely essential part of our future." |
