Distinguished Teaching Awards – including the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award, the highest level of recognition for faculty – were presented by Pennsylvania College of Technology during commencement ceremonies held May 14-15 at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.Dennis F. Ringling, professor of forestry in the School of Natural Resources Management, was honored with the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award.
Excellence in Teaching Awards were presented to Elizabeth A. Dahlgren, assistant professor of business administration/management in the School of Business and Computer Technologies, and Harry W. Hintz, instructor of construction technology in the School of Construction and Design Technologies.
"Teaching is the heart of Penn College, and we place a high value on the teaching and learning process," said Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour. "In recognizing teaching excellence, we demonstrate the best at Penn College. In celebrating the fine work that takes place in our classrooms and laboratories, we confirm the mission of Penn College."The Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award recipient is chosen from faculty nominees having at least six years of successful teaching. The award is representative of the very best faculty, dedicated to providing the highest quality of experience to students.
Ringling, lead faculty for forestry since 2006, has taught at Penn College since 1972. He was also awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award in 1991. He holds a Doctorate of Education from Temple University and a Master of Education from The Pennsylvania State University. He also earned two bachelor's degrees from Penn State.
Ringling's attributes were described by his nominators:
- Never shows a negative attitude
- Stresses professionalism in the classroom and in the lab
- Has knowledge of subject content superior to other teachers
- Puts students first
Dahlgren began teaching at Penn College in 1976 and became an assistant professor in 1980. Previously, she taught secretarial studies and was an adult education instructor (secretarial) for the Board of Education of Baltimore County. She holds a Master of Education from Bloomsburg University, where she also earned a bachelor's degree in business education.Dahlgren's nominators said she:
- Has a commitment to high standards
- Gives clear and concise directions
- Offers suggestions to build the skills that help one to excel in life
- Makes the difference between an education and a superior learning experience
Hintz began teaching at Penn College in 1997. Previously, he was a counselor for the Montour County Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program and owner of Hintz Construction Inc., Muncy. He holds a Master of Education in Science from Wilkes University. He earned a bachelor's degree in parks, recreation and human development from Penn State and an associate degree in carpentry and building construction technology from Penn College. He holds two U.S. Patents related to building construction.
Of Hintz, his nominators said:
- He shows professionalism in everything he does.
- Were it not for him, I would not have finished my bachelor's degree.
- Has taught me how to be an independent thinker.
- As much as he has taught me about industry, he has taught me more about showing respect to people.
The Distinguished Teaching Awards are presented to full-time faculty members who have been nominated by their students and colleagues for excellence in instructional performance. Since 1982, 84 Distinguished Teaching Awards have been presented.
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