Arnold Markley, associate professor of English, has earned Penn State Brandywine's prestigious 2007 Distinguished Teacher of the Year award, given at the conclusion of the Fall Honors Convocation held October 10. This recognition, voted on exclusively by the students, is given to a faculty member for excellence in teaching.
Charles Helou, professor of mathematics and recipient of the 2006 honor, presented Markley with the award. During his introductory remarks, Helou read many statements made by students, faculty, and staff members who nominated Markley for the award. Some comments were:
"Dr. Markley was always willing to go the extra step for the students, ensuring they understood the course material. You would have to sit through one of his classes to really grasp the extent of his efforts."
"Dr. Markley was very thorough, caring and attentive to my concerns and questions. I was even more impressed by the kind manner and the way he commanded respect from students simply by treating us with respect and empathy."
"In each class, Dr. Markley creates an atmosphere that is accepting of each individual's ideas? his knowledge of the material is humbling but without ego, which makes him one of the most approachable professors on campus."
Helou himself offered this personal observation: "I have watched this Distinguished Teacher, with admiration, not only dispense what is obviously inspiring teaching, but also efficiently and graciously perform multiple service activities, and at the end of the day seemingly still have the energy and the serenity to pursue a very active and productive research agenda."
Paul deGategno, director of academic affairs, confirmed that Markley was a fine choice for the honor.
"Dr. Markley is an outstanding communicator, sensitive to every nuance in his classroom, and superbly prepared to address a variety of topics in literature, history, and art. We especially applaud the passion he brings to his discipline and the classroom," he said.
Markley was pleased and proud to be making a difference in the lives of his students.
"I am honored that my students went to the trouble to nominate me for this award, and I am humbled to be recognized for my work in the midst of an unusually talented faculty of master teachers at every level," he said. "To feel that my students learn in my classes is truly heartening, and I certainly continue to learn a great deal from them. It's a rare and wonderful feeling to be honored for doing a job that I enjoy so very much."
