Mark French, professor of mechanical engineering technology in Purdue Polytechnic’s School of Engineering Technology, was named one of Purdue’s first 150th Anniversary Professors. The honor recognizes University faculty who have shown the highest levels of achievement in Purdue’s mission of education. Even the professorship’s name – 150th Anniversary Professors – was designed to acknowledge outstanding, career-long teaching for the excellence of Purdue.
Candidates for the professorships were nominated by academic deans based on documentation from faculty and staff, and by former students. Criteria for selection includes:
- Sustained outstanding teaching, as shown by a history of outstanding teaching evaluations.
- Receipt of a Purdue teaching honor, such as the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award in Memory of Charles B. Murphy.
- A transformation of courses or curricula.
- A history of outstanding mentoring evaluations from faculty peers, students or alumni.
- Receipt of a college or university awards for student mentoring.
- Sustained involvement as an advisor or mentor to student organizations.
“Mark is the epitome of an excellent teacher, both in the classroom and in the hallways,” said Ken Burbank, head of the School of Engineering Technology. “His love for the discipline and for the students is always evident, so that he draws students into his reach. Once there, students, and alumni, are impacted for life.”
See the full Purdue News story.
Additional information
- Purdue trustees ratify faculty positions, award posthumous degree, approve resolutions of appreciation (Purdue News)
- French receives Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award
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