July 6, 1999

Press Release

SUSQUEHANNA HONORS TEACHING EXCELLENCE

Drs. Richard and Fisher Earn University's Top Teaching Awards

SELINSGROVE, Pa. -- Susquehanna University Assistant Professor of Biology David Richard and Professor of Economics Warren Fisher were honored at the University's May commencement as recipients of the John HornDistinguished Service Lectureship and the Susquehanna University Teaching Award respectively.

Both awards are determined by open nominations from faculty and a recommendation from the Faculty Personnel Committee which is submitted for approval by the university president. In the case of the Susquehanna TeachingAward, nominations also come from the Student Government Association.

The Horn Lectureship award annually recognizes a faculty member for outstanding scholarship and conscientious service to the university. It memorializes Dr. John C. Horn, a long-time chairperson of the board of directors at theuniversity. Award recipient David Richard joined the Susquehanna faculty in 1993. He received a first degree in biology from the University of Stirling in the United Kingdom; a master's degree in analytical chemistry from the University of Dundee; and a Ph.D. in insect endocrinology from the University of Edinburgh. Prior to coming to Susquehanna University, he was a research associate and instructor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"His research is highly regarded by colleagues and reviewers outside of Susquehanna and his energetic and generous inclusion of students in his work has led to a dozen or more presentations and papers offered in professional settings by SU undergraduates," said Warren Funk, vice president for academic affairs.

In 1997, Richard received a three-year research award from the National Institutes of Health to continue his work on the role of the endocrine system in the regulation of the reproductive development of Drosophila, the fruit fly. That work promises to lead to better understanding of human systems and disease processes. Richard's service to the university has also included membership on the Faculty Affairs Committee, the University Council, the Strategic Planning Priorities Committee and the search committee for the Director of Computing Services.

Warren Fisher, recipient of the Susquehanna University Teaching Award, began teaching at Susquehanna in 1988. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Lycoming College and a master's and Ph.D. in the same field from the University of Connecticut. Prior to joining the SU faculty, Fisher taught at the State University of New York College at Fredonia and, over a ten-year period, served first as senior policy analyst and then as senior economist for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

"That he has plied his craft well over 11 years of service at Susquehanna is recognized by many faculty colleagues," said Funk. "However, that he has also garnered widespread student recognition for his work is the more remarkable since the discipline in which he teaches does not typically enroll large numbers of majors at Susquehanna. He is characterized by a quiet, steady persistence in encouraging student excellence that marks good teaching."

Funk also noted Fisher's skill as an academic advisor to students in and outside of his field, his role as a mentor to younger faculty and chair of the Faculty Curriculum Committee, and his work on Susquehanna's curriculum and academic policy as a department head.