Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen spoke about ways to strengthen the economy and improve the quality of education in Tennessee at The University of Memphis faculty convocation Friday.
“Universities play a large part in recruiting the businesses it takes to create jobs,” Bredesen said.
Approximately 200 faculty, students and friends attended the 16th annual convocation to honor faculty members who have excelled in the areas of teaching, researching and advising. The convocation was part of The University’s 90th Anniversary celebration.
“You don’t have a great university without a great faculty,” said Ralph Faudree, U of M provost.
Bredesen also spoke about devoting more money to primary and secondary education, creating a job cabinet to focus on the improving economy and developing a regional plan to better use the state’s resources.
Also at the convocation, professors, advisors and faculty received awards in various categories of achievement.
Kantaylieniere Hill-Clark, associate professor of instruction and curriculum leadership, was one of two recipients of the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Excellence in Teaching Awards. Nele Hempel, associate professor of foreign languages, also received the award.
“It brings joy to my heart to know that good, effective teaching is valued in the community and University,” Hill-Clark said.
Recipients of the Alumni Association Distinguished Research Awards were Gordon T. Osing, professor of English; Ferrnando Burgos, professor of foreign languages; Donald R. Franeschetti, professor of physics; and Barbara Ellen Smith, professor of sociology.
Recipients of the Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Awards were David H. Ciscel, professor of economics; Corrina A. Ethington, professor of counseling, educational psychology and research; Phillip T. Kolbe, professor of finance, insurance and real estate; and Mark B. Freilich, professor of chemistry.
Recipients of the distinguished advising awards were Sherry Bryan, professor of art; and Bonita Lyons, manager of academic status and retention services.
Donald K. Carson, vice president for Student Affairs, received the President’s Allen J. Hammond Memorial Award. Linda A. Bennett, associate dean of graduate studies and research in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Board of Visitors Eminent Faculty Award, which included a check for $15,000.
“I am truly proud and humbled to receive the 2003 Board of Visitors Eminent Faculty Award,” Bennett said.
Although the purpose of the convocation was to honor distinguished faculty, some students saw the convocation as an opportune time to protest the war in Iraq and government spending.
About five students held up posters during the first few minutes of Bredesen’s speech that read, “Pay more for schools, not bombs,” “Pay raises for state employees, not bombs,” and “Janitors at The U of M make less than $7 per hour.”
