Spectrum - Volume 20 Issue 28 April 16, 1998 - Diggs scholars

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Diggs scholars
to be honored today at program

Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 28 - April 16, 1998

The Diggs Teaching Scholar Selection Committee has named three faculty members as the 1998 Diggs Teaching Scholars: Carol Burch Brown, Bill Greenberg, and Linda Plaut. Faculty members from various disciplines were nominated for the award, and the Diggs Committee was faced with the task of selecting from a highly competitive pool.
The Diggs Award Ceremony and Reception will be today from 4 to 6 p.m. in Owens Dining Hall. The event will also be the occasion of a Colloquium on the University Core Curriculum, sponsored by the Diggs Teaching Scholar Program.
During Fall Semester 1998, these three recipients will make presentations at the Diggs Roundtable, at which time they will discuss their special teaching interests.
Burch Brown, of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, is recognized for her exemplary teaching in a variety of venues, including architecture, art, CIS and Women's Studies; she is often described as the epitome of the interdisciplinary scholar.
Her teaching is a mirror of her prize-winning art work, which includes photographs, drawings and paintings. She was the prime mover in establishing the photography studio in Owens, which is regularly used by 120 students in three classes. As one student wrote, "Carol has opened up a whole world of photography. Her insights and enthusiasm brought out the best in me." Her students rely on her, go to her for advice and guidance, and stay connected with her after they graduate. Many of the university's projects that focus on teaching, including the CEUT and the University Writing Program, were developed under her guidance while she was associate provost. Her roundtable presentation will be entitled "Teaching Students to See."
Greenberg, of the Department of Mathematics, is recognized for the energy, dedication and skill he has brought to virtually every portion of that department's mission. His enthusiasm for teaching never ceases to inspire his students and amaze his colleagues. Students praise him for his clear explanations, his willingness to go the extra mile with them, and his refreshingly unconventional style.
Whether it is an advanced course for mathematics majors, an intermediate course for engineers, or a beginning calculus course, Greenberg is credited with transforming every class he teaches into an exciting workshop where students learn, not only course material, but how to study and learn technical subjects.
Most recently, he has been involved with the department's Emerging Scholars Program, designed for increasing student success in calculus. He will present his roundtable discussion on "Meeting Changing Student Competence: Teaching Strategies in Mathematics."
Plaut, of the Program in Humanities, is recognized for her exciting and innovative teaching, for the variety of teaching she does (having taught nearly every course the Humanities Program offers as well as many courses in Women's Studies ), and for the impact she has on her students and her colleagues. Her curiosity and her ability to take what she learns and transform it from the research to teaching are keys to her success. Her research, performance and publication of the works of women composers provided a wealth of material for her colleagues to use in the Women and Creativity course.
Her public lectures on Women in the Greco-Roman World have highlighted both her extensive scholarship and her ability to engage broadly diverse audiences. Her roundtable discussion, "Reaching Back, Reaching Out," will include her perspective on the importance of connections for personal growth.
All members of the university community and the general public are invited to celebrate the accomplishments of these three faculty at the ceremony. For more information, call-9109; e-mail: ceut@vt.edu .