DATE: May 08, 2008

CONTACT: Dori Helms, (864) 656-3940
drhelms@clemson.edu

WRITER: Teresa C. Hopkins, (864) 656-1222
hopkin1@clemson.edu

WRITER: Angela Nixon, (864) 656-0382
anixon@clemson.edu

Clemson recognizes outstanding faculty members

CLEMSON — Members of the Clemson University faculty were recognized Thursday during a semester-closing meeting.

The Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research, given annually by the Clemson Alumni Association to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding ability and commitment to research, was presented to two professors: Terry Tritt, professor of physics and astronomy, and Ian Walker, professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Tritt, a Clemson alumnus, came to Clemson as a faculty member in 1996. His research focuses on thermoelectric materials and developing higher-efficiency thermoelectric materials that could increase energy savings.

Walker, who joined the Clemson faculty in 1997, researches robotic manipulator systems. These systems include “trunk-like” and “snake-like” manipulators that can help robots navigate rough terrain, such as in search and rescue situations.

Windsor Sherrill, associate professor of public health sciences, was presented the Frank A. Burtner Award for Excellence in Advising. As a Senior Fellow in the Dixon Fellows Program, Sherrill serves as a role model, mentor and guide for students in the program.

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.

Fruit tree expert Gregory L. Reighard received Clemson’s highest agricultural honor: the Godley-Snell Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research.

Reighard is a professor in the horticulture department and internationally recognized peach tree scientist. His research has helped South Carolina to become the No. 2 peach producer in the nation. His work on developing disease-resistant peach tree rootstock has improved the quality of fruit production and helped to make Clemson a leader in peach tree research worldwide.

Economics professor William Dougan received the Class of 1940 Bradbury Award. The award is made possible by a gift from the Clemson Class of 1940 and recognizes a faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to the Calhoun Honors Program. The award includes a plaque and a $1,000 professional development allowance.

Dougan served as chairman of the John E. Walker Department of Economics at Clemson from 1995 to 2004. In 2005 he was named Outstanding Graduate Teacher for the College of Business and Behavioral Science at Clemson. His research focuses on monetary theory and public sector economics.

Susannah Ashton, an associate professor of English, received the Bradley Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry.

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 projects.

Ashton’s current creative inquiry work with students is to annotate and edit South Carolina slave narratives for professional publications.

David Guynn, a professor in the forestry and natural resources department, received the Centennial Professorship Award, a bi-annual award given by the Clemson University faculty to an outstanding colleague who is tenured or in a tenure-track appointment.

The professorship is supported by an endowment jointly funded by the Clemson University faculty, friends and a matching grant from the Commission on Higher Education that results in an award of approximately $12,000 per year. It is awarded for commitment to teaching, research and service.