Congratulations to the recipient of the 2017 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Office of Faculty Engagement proudly congratulates Professor Dan Plante of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science on receiving the William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching, Stetson University’s highest honor celebrating outstanding teaching and student mentorship.
The McEniry Award recognizes faculty members whose dedication to education extends beyond the classroom through exceptional instruction, meaningful guidance, and a lasting commitment to student success.
For Professor Plante, that commitment is reflected in the experiences of the many students who credit him with transforming both their academic confidence and professional aspirations. Nominations highlighted his ability to adapt his teaching to meet students where they are, challenge them to grow, and demonstrate the broader significance of the concepts they study. Students described entering his courses with little background in the subject and leaving with not only technical proficiency but also the confidence to pursue internships and opportunities they had never imagined for themselves.
Equally notable is Professor Plante’s dedication outside the classroom. Students praised his willingness to provide mentorship beyond coursework, offering guidance on projects, careers, and personal development. One nomination recounted how, after a disappointing exam, he met with a struggling student, shared his own experiences overcoming academic challenges, and encouraged the student to persevere, a moment that left a lasting impression and reinforced the value of resilience and growth.
Through his student-centered approach, personalized mentorship, and passion for education, Professor Dan Plante exemplifies the spirit of the William Hugh McEniry Award. The Office of Faculty Engagement congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his enduring contributions to Stetson University and its students.
Dr. Daniel Plante, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science