Four University faculty members will receive the 2001 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching. They are: Richard M. Doyle, associate professor of English, University Park campus; Nigel D. Higson, distinguished professor of mathematics, University Park campus, Arnold A. Markley, assistant professor of English, Delaware County campus; and John M. Simpson, associate professor of chemistry, Beaver campus.

The award, named after Penn State's seventh president, was established in 1989 as a continuation of the AMOCO Foundation Award. It honors excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level.

Doyle, a specialist in the rhetoric and literature of science, is honored for his great passion for his subject and immense enthusiasm for helping students learn.

He is described by students and colleagues alike as an instructor who encourages creativity, and is continually concerned with the welfare, academically or otherwise, of his students. Doyle says he seeks to“teach students the disciplined flexibility that enables creative and critical thought so that they might thrive with the differences just over the horizon.”

Since arriving at Penn State in 1994, Doyle has played an important role in the reconstitution of the curriculum in the Department of English, especially in the range of courses taught with a basis in rhetoric. He received his M.A. in 1989 and Ph.D in 1993 in rhetoric, both from the University of California, Berkeley, and his B.A. in 1986 in English and philosophy from Georgetown University.

Higson, a member of the Department of Mathematics since 1989, hascombined a career as an outstanding research mathematician with that of educator.  A recipient of the Eberly College of Science's C.I. Noll Teaching Award, Higson is recognized as an excellent teacher. He is known for his rare ability to think on his feet and great use of analogies and examples, which reflect his engaging sense of humor. In fact, his students have created a Website devoted to "Nigelisms." In regards to his teaching style, Higson says that "nothing is more central to good teaching than enthusiasm, respect and concern for the students and careful preparation."  He received his B.A. in 1982, M.Sc. in 1983, and Ph.D. in 1986 in mathematics, all from Dalhousie University.

Markley is honored for his ability to create a learning environment where participation is non-threatening– where daring to experiment, to think, to question and to express tentative thoughts are encouraged.

Colleagues describe him as a model professor who is able to use his expertise to illuminate the classroom, and create an exciting learning experience for students. Students admire his ability to draw them out in discussions and for his support, in and out of the classroom.

Markley, who came to Penn State in 1996, says his greatest responsibility as a teacher is to“awaken (his) students to the excitement of learning” and make each period or body of literature he teaches come alive to them. He received a B.A. in 1986 in English and Classics from Guilford College, and his M.A. in 1990 and Ph.D. in 1996 in English, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Since joining the Penn State Beaver faculty in 1970, Simpson has been dedicated to the success of his students. Described by colleagues and students as personable, open, interactive as well as challenging, he has the ability to explain chemistry without intimidating students and is considered an example of honor, determination and integrity.

Simpson has a commitment to teaching well, being a leader in his field, and encourages his colleagues to do the same. He emphasizes the importance of undergraduate research and mentors 2 to 3 students per semester in honors options or research projects. Last year, two of his students received a first place award at Penn State’s Undergraduate Research Exhibition. Simpson says he hopes every student will leave his course“equipped with a better understanding of how chemistry is done today and that more than a few will become active science researchers.”

His effectiveness as a teacher had previously been recognized by Penn State Beaver, which honored him with the Campus Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1997. Simpson received his B.S. in 1966 in chemistry from the University of Rhode Island and Ph.D. in 1971 in organic chemistry from Penn State.