Awards granted for excellence in teaching, scholarship and faculty service at Convocation

At Muskingum University's Convocation, held August 28 on the campus, three faculty members were recognized for excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The awards were presented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. James E. Callaghan.

The William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching was awarded to Associate Professor of Business Gary Golden.  This award is named in honor of an alumnus whose career combined teaching, ministry and service as president of Miami University and The Ohio State University.

In recognizing Professor Golden, Dr. Callaghan said, “Professor Golden loves teaching and seems to be happiest when he is with his students.  The feelings are mutual, because he is well-liked and respected by his students.  He has been selected for this award because of his energy and the excitement that he generates amongst his students, his dedication to students and to student-learning and is passion for education and knowledge.”

Professor Golden joined the faculty in 1999.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and his master of business administration degree from Southern Illinois University.

The William Rainey Harper Award for Outstanding Scholarship was granted to Professor of German Dr. Franz-Joseph Wehage.

Of Dr. Wehage. Dr. Callaghan said, “He takes care to engage in scholarship that will directly benefit his students here at Muskingum University.  Dr. Wehage’s research over the past several years has resulted in a towering accomplishment – the publication of a textbook on business German for upper-level undergraduate students.  With the publication of this text, German students and professors around the country and around the world will now benefit.  Here at Muskingum, he is tireless in his dedication to his teaching and to his students.  He puts in long hours and works very hard with students.”

Dr.  Wehage joined the faculty in 1991.  He received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the State University of New York – Albany.

The Cora I. Orr Faculty Service Award was bestowed upon Associate Professor of History Dr. Laura Hilton.  It is named in honor of a Muskingum faculty member and administrator who served the university with devotion and distinction for four decades.

Citing Dr. Hilton’s achievements at the university, Dr. Callaghan said, “Where Laura Hilton really stands out is not simply in the sheer number of service roles she accepts, but in the quality and dedication of her leadership and service.  She is an advisor to many student groups, serves on a vast number of  important committees and task forces on campus and has been chair of the History Department for the past two years.  She also is deeply involved with projects that connect Muskingum University to excellent community causes, such as the Haven for Hope.”

Dr. Hilton joined the faculty in 2001.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle, her master’s degree from Fordham University and her doctoral degree from The Ohio State University.

In the photo: From left to right, Muskingum University Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. James Callaghan, Associate Professor of Business Gary Golden, Professor of German Dr. Franz-Joseph Wehage and Associate Professor of History Dr. Laura Hilton.