Every year, South University School of Pharmacy students vote on recipients of the Teacher of the Year Award, Mortar and Pestle Award, and Preceptor of the Year Award. We recently recognized the faculty award winners during our Savannah and Columbia graduation ceremonies in June, and now we are excited to feature the winners on our blog as well!
Teacher of the Year Award Winners
Teacher of the Year is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a faculty member in the School of Pharmacy. All Pharmacy students vote on the Teacher of the Year for their campus, selecting one full-time faculty award winner who:
- Facilitates learning through creative teaching strategies
- Utilizes effective lecture and presentation skills
- Strives to ensure student learning and comprehension of lecture material
- Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
- Provides accessibility outside the classroom to enhance student performance
- Demonstrates professionalism and is a role model to students
- Is poised, articulate, enthusiastic, and energetic
- Maintains respect and admiration of students even during taxing situations
Dr. Adegoke Adeniji
South University, Savannah School of Pharmacy
2021 Teacher of the Year Award Recipient
“My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that a professor can have a profound impact, both positive and negative, on the trajectory of a student’s career. This belief translates to doing all I can to ensure that students are treated with respect and taught in an optimal manner, one that recognizes the diverse capabilities of all the students in a class.”
Dr. Kenric Ware
South University, Columbia School of Pharmacy
2021 Teacher of the Year Award Recipient
“My passion for the field of pharmacy results from being fortunate to participate in a profession that directly and indirectly impacts so many aspects of humanity. I describe my teaching philosophy as perpetual enthusiasm towards creating learning spaces that are inviting to and enriched by all.
Mortar and Pestle Award Winners
Each year, the graduating School of Pharmacy student class chooses a teacher to receive a Mortar and Pestle Award based on the following criteria:
- Acts as a student advocate
- Involved in and leads student professional development and extracurricular activities
- Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities
- Approachable regarding professional and personal issues
- Demonstrates professionalism and is a role model to students
- Enthusiastic and energetic
- Respected by students
Dr. Adegoke Adeniji
South University, Savannah School of Pharmacy
Class of 2021 Mortar and Pestle Award Recipient
“What motivates me as an educator is the opportunity to inspire students to thirst for knowledge, the prospect of contributing to the next generation of leaders, and the desire to give back to society.”
Dr. Kelly Clark
South University, Columbia School of Pharmacy
Class of 2021 Mortar and Pestle Award Recipient
Preceptor of the Year Award Winners
Each year, the graduating Doctor of Pharmacy class presents an award to the preceptor of their choice based on the following criteria:
- Instills in students principles of professional ethics by both deeds & words
- Clearly explains expectations for student appearance, attitude and practice method
- Assures that the preceptor and his/her associates adhere to the same standards
- Maintains communication with the student at all times
- Willing to discuss any aspect of professional practice that does not violate the preceptor's responsibility to their employer or employees
- Serves in the roles of teacher and mentor, not co-worker
- Affords the student mutual respect and patience
- Assesses competency through discussion, experience and reviewing the student's work
- Conveys constructive criticism empathetically and privately whenever possible
- Stimulates a positive attitude in all aspects of professional practice
- Promotes a constructive, positive attitude toward fellow practitioners and other members of the health professions
- Does not discuss personal matters unless they relate to professional practice
- Understands that fair, constructive evaluation of student performance is a serious responsibility which affects student progress and performance as a future practitioner
South University, Savannah School of Pharmacy
Class of 2021 Preceptor of the Year Award Recipient
Dr. Marisa Strychalski
“I was inspired to become a pharmacy professor at South University because I’ve always wanted to give back to the profession. What really drew me to South is that it’s a smaller program. You can get to know your students on a more personal level and I really wanted to be a part of something like that.”
South University, Columbia School of Pharmacy
Class of 2021 Preceptor of the Year Award Recipient
Dr. Kenric Ware
“My favorite aspect of teaching South University Pharmacy students is accompanying them along a journey in self-discovery where they come to see themselves as ever-evolving and exceptional.”
Congratulations to all 2021 School of Pharmacy Faculty Award winners and thank you for all that you do for South University!
