Ward Named SMC's 2011 SCICU Excellence In Teaching Award Recipient

04/14/11 — (l-r) Sara Fisher, chair of the SCICU Board of Trustees; SMC professor Barry Ward; and SMC vice-president for academic affairs Ann Bowles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SPARTANBURG -- Spartanburg Methodist College has named professor Barry Ward its 2011 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Excellence in Teaching Award recipient.

 "The SCICU Award means so much.  It is a positive affirmation that what I do at SMC is recognized and is valued.  As an alumnus of SMC, that connection to the College makes the award so  much more rewarding," says Ward.

Each of the 20 member institutions of the SCICU consortium selects one faculty member each year to receive the award, which includes a professional development stipend of $3000 for the professor. Each recipient is chosen by his or her institution according to rigorous criteria. The most important characteristic of the nominees is their demonstration of the highest standards in teaching methods that encourage students to strive for excellence in their studies and pursuits.

Ward plans to use the grant money to shadow a cardiologist and learn more about cardiovascular diseases and responding to medical emergencies related to heart issues.

"I will get the opportunity to observe open heart surgery and heart caths and I will learn to read an EKG.  I will gain so much information and, anecdotally, this experience will strongly reinforce what I teach in the Health 101 and 201 courses," adds Ward.

Ward was presented the award on April 5 during a dinner honoring all 20 of the state's SCICU award recipients.

"This year's award recipients demonstrated a remarkable blend of scholarship, passion, commitment, and the ability to motivate students to new heights," said Sara Fisher, chair of the SCICU Board of Trustees. The ceremony was part of S.C. Independent College and University Week observed April 4-8.

Ward has taught at SMC since 1992 and has served as chair of the Health and Physical Education department at SMC for 13 years. While at SMC, he introduced Beginning Dance and Jogging classes. He has taught Archery, Tennis, Basic Officiating, Dance, Jogging, Physical Fitness, Softball, Wellness, First Aid and Personal Safety, and Health Education. He has also coordinated the Snow Skiing and Snowboarding class for 19 years.

In addition, Ward has served SMC in other capacities including as a security guard, assistant to the dean of students, director of men's housing, director of the college work study program, and for more than 15 years has been the director of the college's intramural sports programs. He also started the men's cross country team in 1994, which he coached from 1994-1996.

He  is a 1979 graduate of SMC with an Associates in Criminal Justice, received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1981 from the University of South Carolina Upstate (then USC Spartanburg); and a Master's of Arts in Heath and Physical Education in 1990 from Gardner Webb University. He has also participated in post-graduate studies at Lander University and Winthrop University.

Prior to SMC, Ward taught Biology, World Geography, and Life Science at Landrum (SC) High School and also served as a football and basketball coach.

He is a Columbia, SC native who also served four years of active duty in the United States Coast Guard, from 1973-77, and two years in active reserve, from 1977-79.

Other recipients of the 2011 SCICU Excellence in Teaching Award are:  

Mrs. Chasity Green, Allen University; Dr. Bryan H. Cribb, Anderson University; Dr. Milton A. Morris, Benedict College; Dr. Rachel Walker, Charleston Southern University; Dr. Ingrid Watson-Miller, Claflin University; Dr. Kevin T. Kenyon, Coker College; Dr. Leigh Ann Spell, Columbia College; Dr. Daniel F. DeLozier, Columbia International University; Dr. Erin E. Templeton, Converse College; Dr. Chrystal D. Bruce, Erskine College; Dr. Victoria Lynn Turgeon, Furman University; Dr. Harry H. Hill, Jr., Limestone College; Dr. Marc C. David, Morris College; Mr. William R. Long, Newberry College; Dr. Jeff Briggs, North Greenville University; Dr. Terry Barr, Presbyterian College; Mr. Greg Day, Southern Wesleyan University; Mrs. Tywana C. Branch, Voorhees College; and Mr. John E. Lane, Wofford College.                                        

 SCICU was established in 1953 with the primary mission of promoting independent higher education in South Carolina. SCICU seeks to advance independent higher education through fundraising, scholarships, research, and by facilitating collaborative activities among the 20 member institutions, which educate nearly 34,000 students each year.

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 100th academic year of providing quality education to students in a Christian environment.  More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.

For more information, please contact SMC director of public information Brian Fulkerson at (864) 587-4254 or fulkersonb@smcsc.edu