Office of the Provost

Dr. Sharon Barnes, an associate professor of interdisciplinary studies in University College. She joined the University in 2001 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2007.

Barnes’ students noted how she takes extra time with nontraditional students and helps them adjust to college. A nominator thanked her for encouraging her to succeed when she felt too old to be here and was ready to quit.

“She inspired me because of her ability to read a person and also to give the right advice at the right time,” the nominator wrote.

Barnes said she was “startled and humbled” by the honor.

“I am a feminist, so I really have a high regard for equity and empowerment in the classroom, and I work very hard to create a safe space for each person to learn,” she said. “I like working with young people and I enjoy learning, so teaching is basically a really good time for me. I try to have a good sense of humor and share students’ enthusiasm for the learning process.”

Dr. Paula Dupuy, professor in the Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology in the College of Health Science and Human Service. Dupuy, who is a licensed clinical counselor and psychologist, joined the department in 1989 as an assistant professor. She was promoted to associate professor in 1994 and professor in 2001.

Students described Dupuy as a professor who goes above and beyond and cares about her students, both academically and personally.

“It is evident that she strives to make a difference, not only in her students, but also in furthering the field of counseling,” one nominator wrote. “Educationally, out of all of my professors (although they are all great), I can honestly say that I have learned the most in her classes.”

Dupuy said being recognized by students for her teaching is the ultimate honor.

“For me, teaching is really a passion and so is learning. A core piece of that is curiosity and wonder,” she said. “Teaching is a reciprocal relationship between students and faculty, and it’s about creating an environment where all of us are nurturing that curiosity and wonder.”

Dr. David Meabon, associate professor of higher education in the Judith Herb College of Education and director of the John H. Russel Center for Educational Leadership. Meabon joined UT in 1991 as vice president for student affairs and associate professor of higher education, becoming a full-time tenured faculty member in 2001.

His nominators noted how inspiring Meabon is as he always talks about “our” graduation and encourages his students to reach their goals.

“Dr. Meabon is supportive without handing you what you need and he makes you think,” a nominator wrote. “He has an amazing way of asking you just the right open-ended questions that assist in figuring your problems out or getting you to think not as a graduate student, but as a scholar.”

Meabon described his teaching style as bringing theory and practice together in a way that challenges students to come up with creative solutions to problems.

“The University of Toledo has a number of outstanding teachers. It is very humbling to be considered by your students that you may be one of those,” he said.

Dr. Brian Randolph, professor of civil engineering and associate dean of undergraduate studies in the College of Engineering. He began his career at UT as an instructor in civil engineering, and was promoted to assistant professor in 1989, associate professor in 1993 and professor in 1997. Randolph has received numerous teaching awards in the college.

“In addition to being successful academically, he sincerely wants to make sure that every student is getting the most out of their experiences at UT. No matter how busy he gets, his door is always open for students to come and talk,” a nominator wrote.

Randolph said he was moved by his selection as an Outstanding Teacher as he greatly respects and admires the past recipients.

“My role as a teacher is part interpreter and part coach. I try to use my understanding of the material to present concepts in multiple ways that match students’ learning styles,” he said. “We have incredible students at UT, yet some topics still come hard. It’s important to coach persistence until the light bulbs go on. Student success is the most gratifying part of my job.”

Dr. Mark Sherry, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Sherry, who has been with the University since 2004, has previously been recognized as a master teacher in the College of Arts and Sciences.

One nominator said students learned so much from Sherry that they encouraged other students to take his classes and friends to transfer to UT so they could learn from him.

“I have never in my academic career encountered another teacher with as much passion for teaching and commitment to his students as Dr. Sherry,” the nominator wrote.

Heis credited with encouraging critical thinking, engaging students in discussions, creating thought-provoking assignments, and finding different methods to help students learn.

“I was genuinely touched by the award,” Sherry said. “To have such lovely feedback from students and alumni is truly humbling and a great honor.”