Professor recognized for work to help students with disabilities

Published: May 11, 2010

By Mark Sublette

CLEMSON — Mary Anne Prater, senior lecturer in Clemson University’s School of Accountancy and Finance, was named the first recipient of the Extraordinary Educator Award presented by the Nu Chapter of Delta Alpha Pi honor society for students with disabilities.

Criteria for the award include working to create a welcoming classroom climate, providing clear expectations and timely feedback, exploring ways to incorporate natural supports for learning, promoting faculty-student dialogue and using technology to enhance learning opportunities.

Prior to teaching at Clemson, Prater, a Clemson alumna, worked in the public accounting world as a certified public accountant. Her first experience teaching came while she was working as a consultant for Clemson’s Small Business Development Center and teaching part time. 

Prater now teaches intermediate accounting and is both a career adviser and an academic adviser for the School of Accountancy and Finance. Prater is a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Parish, serving on the Pastoral Care Committee. She and her husband coach a 4-H shotgun club and volunteer for several 4-H camps during the summer.

Delta Alpha Pi, founded in 2004 at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, recognizes the academic accomplishments of honor students who have disabilities. The three Greek letters stand for disability, achievement and pride.

Delta Alpha Pi members strive to change the negative perception that students with disabilities cannot succeed academically. Through public recognition, leadership and visible participation in educational activities, Honor Society members work to counteract such prejudice. 

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