Category: McEniry Awards

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2021 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching

Established in 1974, the McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching is considered to be Stetson University’s most prestigious award based on the highest attainment of teaching excellence as personified by the former Dean of the University, William Hugh McEniry. Exceptional teaching in the classroom is at the heartbeat of this award, along with intellectual growth, professional competency, academic activities outside of the classroom, and impactful service to students and the University as a whole.

Needless to say, this year’s McEniry selection committee had an incredibly challenging job with Stetson being a community full of highly deserving teacher-scholars. That said, this year’s awardee stood out as an exceptionally impactful educator at Stetson and also within her field. There is a clear record demonstrating that she is phenomenal teacher and a dedicated leader in her field. And she had thoughtfully written nominations demonstrating her deep commitment to high-quality teaching at Stetson and beyond.

A nomination by a fellow faculty member notes: “[This professor] is in her nineteenth year as a member of the Stetson faculty…and clearly, [she] is one of Stetson finest scholar-teachers. While her stature as a publishing scholar is highly meritorious, her skills and accomplishments as a teacher are no less remarkable. She is highly organized, mature, innovative, engaged, and passionate.”

This professor is described as a master teacher who cares most about student learning, and she considers part of her teaching role preparation of students for professional success.

A student nomination states: “[This professor] goes the extra mile in every aspect, teaching and beyond. She teaches some of the most challenging courses at Stetson and in the computer science field. While the coursework is rigorous and intellectually demanding, she provides ways to grasp the difficult concepts in ways that suit all learning styles. As an advisor, she’s not only concerned about short-term academic success, but also long-term professional development and your best interests. Additionally, she never fails to encourage and inspire. I switched my major to computer science after a semester and felt very out of place at first. Having [this professor] as a mentor was a really important part of staying encouraged; she connected me with other women in the field and introduced me to conferences and other opportunities.”

This year’s recipient is a professor of computer science who recently received the Florida Council Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Outstanding Engineering Educator Award, a testament to her commitment to teaching excellence and the quality of education that she provides students, as well as her outstanding contribution to the electro-technology profession. I am delighted and honored to announce this year’s award winner! Please join me in wishing a heartfelt congratulations to the recipient of the 2021 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching… Dr. Hala ElAarag!!

Rajni Shankar-Brown

Dr. Hala ElArag, Professor of Computer Science

McEniry Award Winner Hala ElAarag, PhD, Teaches Students “to Be the Best They Can Be” – Stetson Today

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2020 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown, Associate Professor of Education

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2019 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching

The Office of Faculty Engagement proudly recognizes Craig Maddox, Professor of Music, as the recipient of the 2019 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching, Stetson University’s highest honor for teaching excellence.

The McEniry Award celebrates faculty members whose commitment to education extends beyond exceptional classroom instruction to include mentorship, intellectual leadership, and a lasting impact on students’ personal and professional development.

Throughout his career at Stetson, Professor Maddox has challenged students to push beyond self-imposed limitations and embrace opportunities for growth. In his McEniry remarks, he reflected on a guiding philosophy he calls “Go Beyond”—encouraging students to take risks, learn from setbacks, and discover capabilities they may not have believed they possessed. Through stories of musicians, athletes, and alumni whose lives were transformed by perseverance and mentorship, he emphasized that meaningful achievement often begins with the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone.

As a teacher of voice, Professor Maddox has inspired generations of students to pursue excellence not only in performance but also in their academic and personal lives. His approach reflects a belief that education is about expanding possibilities, fostering confidence, and helping students realize their full potential.

The Office of Faculty Engagement congratulates Professor Craig Maddox on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his enduring dedication to teaching, mentorship, and the success of Stetson students.

Dr. Craig Maddox, Associate Professor of Music

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2018 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching

The Office of Faculty Engagement proudly recognizes Megan O’Neill as a recipient of the William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching, Stetson University’s highest honor celebrating exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student success.

The McEniry Award honors educators whose influence extends far beyond the classroom, recognizing faculty members who inspire intellectual growth while fostering meaningful connections with students and the broader university community.

In her McEniry Convocation remarks, Professor O’Neill reflected on the transformative power of listening and curiosity in education. She challenged students to view learning not as the passive absorption of information but as an active process of asking questions, engaging with differing perspectives, and remaining open to changing one’s own assumptions. By embracing conversations that are difficult yet meaningful, she argued, students develop not only academically but also as thoughtful and compassionate members of society.

She also shared a personal classroom experience in which genuine dialogue with a struggling student transformed frustration into understanding, illustrating her belief that effective teaching begins with empathy and a willingness to learn alongside one’s students. This commitment to listening and mutual growth exemplifies the spirit of the McEniry Award and the enduring impact of outstanding educators.

The Office of Faculty Engagement congratulates Professor Megan O’Neill on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her continued dedication to teaching, mentorship, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Dr. Megan O’Neill, Associate Professor of English

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