Reinhardt Faculty Honored For Dedication To Students, University

At the final Faculty Senate meeting of the academic year, Reinhardt University administrators underscored the crucial role that faculty play in making the campus a true community of challenge by honoring several instructors with awards.

Among the outstanding faculty honored at the meeting were Tina Boosel, Dr. Matt Anderson, Dr. Kathy Hyatt, Dr. Graham Johnson and Dr. Richard Summers. 

Tina Boosel, instructor of business and a resident of Canton, was honored with the Jane England Faculty Award for Excellence. The $500 award is named for a long-time Reinhardt faculty member who retired in May 2001 and passed away in January 2007.

England was a professor of history and political science for 31 years at Reinhardt. She also served in numerous leadership roles, including advisor to the student newspaper and faculty chair. After her retirement, Reinhardt established the award, along with a scholarship fund, in her honor.

"In my 10 years at Reinhardt, I have always tried to teach our students not only the technical and management skills that they will need to prepare for the work force, but also the importance of accountability, time management, and strong communication skills," Boosel said. "Through professional development and experiences teaching, I constantly try to revamp my classes, so I can best help my
students learn most effectively. I am honored that I was chosen for this award."

Dr. Matthew Anderson, instructor of music, received a Faculty Research and Scholarship Award for his contributions to the artistic community. Anderson, who lives in Cumming, has taught at Reinhardt for almost two years.

"It is always nice to be recognized 'at home' for contributions to the community at-large," Anderson said. "I am so grateful to be at Reinhardt; the support I get from Dr. McIntire [dean of the School of Performing Arts], my colleagues, the students, and the administration in general, is a blessing that I try never to waste." 

Also honored with the Faculty Research & Scholarship Award was Jasper resident Dr. Kathy Hyatt, assistant professor of business, who has taught at the University for more than 5 years.

"It is an honor and a privilege to receive the faculty research and scholarship award," Hyatt stated. "It means a lot to me because we have many wonderful professors that are experts in their field and who have presented and published in their respective fields on a regular basis. I am humbled and grateful to have been chosen."

Canton resident Dr. Graham Johnson, assistant professor of English, received the prestigious United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award. Johnson has taught at Reinhardt for more than six years.

"It is an honor even to be nominated for one of the Reinhardt teaching awards—especially considering how many dedicated, talented teaching professors work here," Johnson said. "Whether I am lecturing on the comma or reading a passage of Beowulf in the original Old English, I am equally excited about imparting knowledge and aiding in students’ intellectual development—for me, nothing is more important than that."

Funded by the Division of Higher Education of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, the Exemplary Teacher Award is given to a Reinhardt faculty member who recognizes "excellence in teaching, commitment to value-centered education and service to students at the university," the university said in a press release.

Honored with the Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award was Dr. Richard Summers, professor of mathematics. Summers, who lives in White, has taught at Reinhardt for more than 17 years.

"I was very honored that the faculty chose to give me this award," Summers stated. "I was impressed by the reading of the qualifications of all who were nominated for this award. They were all very talented and capable."

Vulcan’s Southeast Division has sponsored the Teaching Excellence Award since the early 1990s through the Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges, Inc.

The award is presented to a faculty member at each of the GFIC’s 25-member institutions, as a way to recognize those who make outstanding contributions to undergraduate education, student learning and campus life.