Damron named Oklahoma Professor of the Year

Monday, January 24, 2011

Oklahoma State University’s Steve Damron has been named the 2010 Oklahoma Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Here he is talking with students on the front steps of Animal Science. Students: Hattie Kurin (White Jacket), Emily McCullough (orange Polo), Erin Boger(Black Peacoat), Jaret Fipps (brown jacket), Anna-Lisa Giannini (black sweater).

Dr. Steve Damron, professor of animal science at OSU, has been named the 2010 Oklahoma Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

“I am surrounded by fantastic teachers who care about students and their subjects and practice their craft to the best of their abilities no matter the obstacles. To be selected for this award when surrounded by so many phenomenal teachers is very humbling,” said Damron about winning the award.

Damron says he is inspired everyday by his students and the way they want to know and learn and simply by them graduating and finding success.

“I find college students to be the most exciting group of people on the planet and love the interaction with them and the opportunity I have to affect the rest of people’s lives. I want people to be happy and productive and feel I have a part in that for every student I teach,” Damron said.

“Dr. Damron very much deserves this honor, which recognizes outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country, those who excel at teaching and providing a positive influence in the lives and eventual careers of students,” said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

“Steve teaches a global perspective using real-world applications, integrating information and ideas into a broader, practical picture,” said Ron Kensinger, head of the OSU department of animal science. “His effective use of special projects, papers and case studies helps students develop strategic thinking skills, and apply information in a problem-solving context. He is truly outstanding.”

Damron, who joined the OSU faculty in 1988, was honored as a 2010 recipient of the division’s prestigious Sarkeys Distinguished Professor Award earlier this semester. During his career, he has received more than 20 teaching and advising awards.

His book, “Introduction to Animal Science: Global, Biological, Social and Industry Perspectives,” is one of the most widely used animal science texts in the world.

Damron advises about 100 animal science students each year and has served as faculty adviser to several student organizations.