Distinguished Teaching Awards Presented to Veterinary Professors

Dr. R. Bruce Simpson, center, is presented The Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching from Marty Holmes, Assistant Executive Director of the AFS, along with Dean H. Richard Adams.

Dr. Mark Johnson, center, receives The Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching from Marty Holmes, Assistant Executive Director of the AFS, and congratulations from Dean H. Richard Adams.

COLLEGE STATION - September 30, 2005 - Drs. Mark Johnson and R. Bruce Simpson, both veterinarians and professors at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, were presented The Association of Former Students College-Level Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching for 2005. Each received a cash gift and framed certificate.

According to fourth year veterinary student Thomas J. Palvino, "Dr. Johnson's consistently high expectations for students and his teaching abilities set him apart. His lecture style keeps students attention and makes even the most esoteric subject interesting and understandable. He answers questions with great authority and clarity and fosters an environment that is conducive to discussions; no easy feat in a lecture hall filled with 135 students."

In support of Simpson's nomination, second year veterinary student Amber Jennings said, "Instead of merely quoting from a textbook, Dr. Simpson goes out of his way to show us photos and videos of the afflicted animals and makes them accessible on the class website. He is also able to put concepts into simple terms, making the information more clinically practical. He maintains a relaxed classroom environment that is always open for questions and class discussions."

The Association of Former Students Distinguished Award for Teaching recognizes, encourages and rewards superior classroom teachers whose command of their respective discipline, teaching methodologies, pervasive caring, communication skills and commitment to the learning process exemplify the meaning of teaching and mentoring in the highest sense. "We are extremely proud to have such outstanding teachers as Drs. Johnson and Simpson on our faculty and congratulate them both on receiving this prestigious award," said H. Richard Adams, Dean of the College.

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