Williams receives graduate instructor award from Ole Miss
University of Mississippi PR |
OXFORD, Miss. -- The accolades for Laura Williams, Lipscomb University alumna and instructor in management, resemble that of a Hollywood blockbuster. "Engaging." "Inspirational." "Brilliant." A graduate instructor at the University of Mississippi, these descriptions of Williams were made by her students, and the praises haven't gone unnoticed. Williams was recently honored with the 2008-09 Ole Miss Graduate Instructor/Teaching Assistant Award.
"Ms. Williams truly is a remarkable teacher worthy of this prestigious honor," said Joi Todd, a UM sophomore business major. "I nominated her for the award because of the kindness, patience and excellence exhibited both in her teaching style and personal conduct."
"Ms. Williams exemplifies amazing qualities," said Katherine Sneed, a UM junior accounting major. "Within the first class, she knew each and every one of our names. I've never had a teacher so eager to know all of their students."
Williams, who is on leave from the Lipscomb University College of Business to pursue a doctoral degree in organizational behavior, said she was thankful to receive the honor, known as the Apple Award, from UM's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The award also includes a $1,000 prize. "It's really an honor to be recognized for something I love doing," said the Franklin, Tenn. native. "Having terrific students and knowing that I am making a difference in their lives really makes teaching a lot of fun."
The only university-wide recognition for graduate instructors, theApple Award aims to inspire teaching assistants to become better teachers, said Johnny Lott, CETL director. More than 100 new teaching assistants are hired annually at Ole Miss. "We have numerous graduate instructors on campus helping to serve our undergraduate students," Lott said. "I'm not sure the university could function without these teaching assistants."
Williams most recently taught a 300-level management course, which had more than 60 students. Instead of simply lecturing and administering multiple choice exams, Williams required writing assignments and student participation, said Walter Davis, UM chair of management. "Laura has earned a reputation as a motivated, caring and very effective teacher," Davis said. "She has a bright future."
Since her early childhood, Williams said she has dreamed of becoming a teacher. So much so, she recalls playing school at home during the summer. It doesn't hurt to have teaching in her bloodlines, either. Her mother and grandmother were both teachers.” Having teachers from kindergarten all the way through college put so much effort into making me who I am really inspired me to turn around and offer the same thing to others," Williams said. And her approach in the classroom is simple, yet direct. "I want my students to have an experience," she said. "I want to involve them, include them and engage them to make sure they learn and grasp the ideas, and hopefully it changes them in the process."
Williams received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Lipscomb University in Nashville. She hopes to complete her doctoral degree at UM next May.