April 10, 2006                                       

Gibbs Receives Excellence in Teaching Award

SCICU Honor Recognizes Outstanding Educators

Dr. Mark W. Gibbs, Professor of Religion at Spartanburg Methodist College, received the Excellence in Teaching Award from South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc. (SCICU). Pictured from left: Dr. Charles P. Teague, SMC President; Dr. Ann K. Bowles, SMC Vice President for Academic Affairs; Gibbs; and George N. Acker, Chair of the SCICU Board.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. –  Dr. Mark W. Gibbs, Professor of Religion at Spartanburg Methodist College,  was named as a recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award by South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc. (SCICU).

This award is given to one faculty member at each of the 20 SCICU member colleges and universities. Each recipient was chosen by their institution according to rigorous criteria. The most important characteristic of the nominees is their demonstration of the highest standards in teaching methods that encourages students to strive for excellence in their studies and pursuits.

Gibbs holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wales-Lampeter (U.K.), a Master of Arts degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts and an Associate of Science degree from Montreat-Anderson College. In 2005, Gibbs served as interim Vice President for Academic Affairs. Gibbs was instrumental in bringing the Faith and Society Symposia to SMC. The symposia is an annual event which has been held at SMC for the past five years and explores various issues in contemporary society and their impact on the faith community. In 2004, Gibbs received the Exemplary Teacher Award from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Gibbs was honored April 4 at the SCICU’s first annual Excellence in Teaching Awards Banquet at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia.

SCICU was established in 1953 as a  501 (c) 3 tax-exempt, non-profit corporation 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.