The Edgar M. Carlson Award for Innovative Teaching was established in 1971 by the Board of Trustees of Gustavus Adolphus College to honor Edgar Carlson for his years of distinguished leadership as president and in recognition of his commitment to academic excellence. Each year, after a nominating process involving staff and students, a member of the Gustavus faculty is selected to receive this award, in the amount of $1,500, in recognition of effective and innovative teaching. The recipient of this year’s award is Professor Kevin Byrne of the Department of History.
Professor Byrne was nominated by both faculty and student committees, but I am drawing solely from students’ statements to suggest the appropriateness of this year’s selection. As his colleagues, we know Kevin personally and respect the lively and constructive contributions, seen in many ways, that he makes to this college, but for the most part we know about his teaching. Students, however, judge at first hand.
They use two complementary terms insistently: enthusiasm and accessibility. These certainly add up to superior performance in and out of the classroom. Lectures delivered to the larger classes are described as “dynamic”, even “fiery.” Wrote one student, “He has so much spark and energy that he made me love the study of history …His excitement spread to everyone in the class.” And, lest anyone look upon such classroom dynamics as largely showmanship (for which, really, there ought to be some room), we find repeated tributes to Kevin’s solid preparation for the daily lectures and his continuing awareness of current directions in historical scholarship.
No less effective than the lecture style is the lower key approach used in small group discussions, which are said to be “profitable and well paced.” Again, “He is an excellent synthesizer, capable of rounding any ragged argument or hazy thought into well-expressed order.” No wonder that even those students who “never liked history” come back for more.
Under the heading of accessibility much is said of the classroom discussions that spill over into Kevin’s office, of his readiness to talk to anyone even with the obvious pressure of other work. “He is always willing to answer questions at any time.” “More than willing to be helpful.” And he has respect for his students. “I would never hesitate to question any aspect of an argument he presents because of a fear that I would be put down.” Respect invites respect. Many comments deal with Kevin’s availability and good counsel as teacher, advisor and friend.
And so we have a superb teacher, a good friend, a man dedicated to his profession and to the mission of this College: what need to look further?
Kevin, on behalf of administration, faculty and students, I congratulate you as I present you with the Edgar M. Carlson Award for 1982.
Presented by Gerhard Alexis
Professor of English
1981 Recipient of the Edgar M. Carlson Award
Leave a Reply