Montgomery named Miami's outstanding prof
4/16/07
Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG) named Karen Montgomery, a faculty member in the teacher education department, as recipient of its 2007 Outstanding Professor Award.
Miami seniors nominated 54 professors for the recognition, but the two essays submitted on Professor Montgomery’s behalf stood out, said Jeremy Harrell, ASG executive vice president, at the recent awards banquet.
Other School of Education and Allied Professions professors nominated for the honor included Rose Marie Ward (physical education, health and sport studies); Bob Burke (teacher education) and James Sheehan (teacher education),
Montgomery, who teaches courses in early childhood education, creates a classroom environment where “the divide between student and teacher fades just enough so that everyone learns together” said one of the nominators. She was described as innovative, witty, genuine and charismatic and involved with her students in and out of the classroom.
Two years ago, Montgomery and a student founded the first university chapter in the nation of Ambassadors for Children, a non-profit organization that sponsors short-term humanitarian mission trips around the world. The Miami chapter now has 50 active members and sponsored spring break trips to Belize and El Salvador and is planning a summer trip to Malawi.
“Professor Montgomery provides leadership by example. As an educator, she is a role model for her students and for her colleagues. I just love her passions for what she does and her commitment to involving students in experiences that make a difference,” said Carine Feyten, dean of the School of Education and Allied Professions.
The annual ASG awards program provides seniors with an opportunity to acknowledge faculty members who have had a positive impact on their Miami experience, said Melonia Bennett, ASG secretary for academic affairs. As recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award, Montgomery will speak at Miami’s “Senior Last Lecture” and be part of the platform party, said Bennett.