For many professors, winning a teaching award can signify a job well done in a profession that can be stressful and demanding.
Rick Fischer, an associate professor of journalism, can now add another teaching award to his collection. Fischer was named Educator of the Year for 2005 by the National Public Relations Society of America.
He said winning this award feels fantastic.
"It's an award for teaching," he said. "That's cool."
Fischer said he received news of his win about a month ago when someone from the award's committee called him.
"I thought, this is wonderful," he said. "I'm getting a call from the award's committee."
Stephanie Wilson Nichols, president of the Memphis Chapter of PRSA, said they nominated Fischer because they felt like he was the most deserving candidate.
"I personally do not know anyone who is more deserving of this honor and I am very proud to serve with him on the PRSA-Memphis chapter Board of Directors," Nichols said.
Nichols said Fischer called her right after he got the call from the national chapter.
Fischer, who has been a professor at The U of M for 16 years, said even though he is the first to win the award at this University, he, along with others in the journalism department, have been nominated in previous years.
"I've been nominated a couple of times," he said. "Dr. Brody has also been nominated."
Kelly Jackson, a senior journalism major, said although she has never taken any of Fischer's courses, she has heard great things about him.
"Everything I've heard about Fischer suggests he deserves this award," Jackson said. Before becoming a full-time professor, Fischer served in the U.S. Navy.
"I also taught in the Navy," he said.
Fischer, who joined the Navy in 1978, said he also received teaching awards while in the Navy.
Fischer was nominated by The Memphis Chapter of PRSA. He was to receive the award at the International conference in Miami on Oct. 23.
However, due to Hurricane Wilma, Fischer said he will not be able to accept his award in person.
Nevertheless, Fischer said it's a great honor.
"It means all the effort is worth it," he said.
