Faculty praised and challenged for success at year-end meeting

Published: May 6, 2010

CLEMSON — Clemson University President James F. Barker concluded the academic year Thursday by reminding faculty members of their roles in the university’s success.

“We’ve transformed ourselves from a respected state institution into a nationally renowned public university,” Barker said. “Everyone in this room can take pride in that. Whatever we have accomplished has been the result of your terrific efforts.”

He urged faculty and staff members to “engage fully” in the strategic planning work to be done over the next few months in each department or unit, adding: “This work is shared governance in action. The window is open, and this is your opportunity to contribute to shaping Clemson for the next decade.”

Barker said Provost Doris Helms and mission vice presidents will embark on a “listening tour” in the fall to hear departmental plans before finalizing a new university plan next spring.

The annual year-end meeting also is a time to recognize outstanding faculty members.

Mashrur “Ronnie” Chowdhury, an associate professor of civil engineering, received the Frank A. Burtner Award for Excellence in Advising. Chowdhury was nominated for his role as an academic adviser and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students in civil engineering. Under his guidance, two undergraduate students received highly competitive U.S. Department of Transportation Dwight D. Eisenhower Fellowships this year.

The award honors Frank Burtner, who served Clemson University for many years as a professor and student organization adviser. The annual award is given for contributions to student development in leadership, devotion to duty and service to students.

This year’s Godley Snell Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research was presented to William H. Conner, assistant director of the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and professor of forestry and natural resources. Conner is internationally known and recognized for his work in fresh and salt water forested wetlands, wetland management and restoration, and on the impact of human use on natural systems.

During his 20 years at the Clemson University Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology in Georgetown, Conner has focused on areas of vital importance to South Carolina, the Southeast and the world as encroachment on natural wetlands increases, placing at risk vital ecosystem resources.

The Godley-Snell Award is named in honor of W. Cecil Godley, former director of the South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, and Absalom W. Snell, former associate director.

Biological sciences professor Alfred “Hap” Wheeler received the Class of 1940 Bradbury Award for his commitment to the Calhoun Honors College. Wheeler is a mentor and leader to Clemson honors students through his work on various steering committees, research teams and honors projects.

Made possible by a gift from the Clemson Class of 1940, the Douglas W. Bradbury Award recognizes a faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to the Honors Program. The award includes a plaque and a $1,000 professional development allowance.

Two faculty members received the Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievements in Research: Naren R. Vyavahare, Hunter Endowed Chair and professor of bioengineering, and Warren Adams, professor of mathematical sciences.

Vyavahare has been at Clemson since 1999 and is a leader in cardiovascular research. Adams researches mathematical theory in an effort to make quantified problems easier to solve. He has been at Clemson since 1984.

This year’s Bradley Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry was given to psychology professor June Pilcher.

Pilcher has been at Clemson since 2001. She regularly involves undergraduate students in her research into workplace stress and fatigue and often includes them as authors on peer-reviewed research publications.

The Phil and Mary Bradley Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry is presented each spring in recognition of outstanding work with undergraduate students. Nominations are accepted from student participants in Creative Inquiry Initiative team projects. The award is made possible by a gift from Phil and Mary Bradley and consists of a plaque and a salary supplement.

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