SCICU Honors SMC Professor Siegfried with Excellence in Teaching Award
Connecting with students and continually seeking ways to improve his approach to the classroom are a couple of the leading factors when colleagues nominated Dr. Adam Siegfried as Spartanburg Methodist College’s (SMC) 2022 recipient for the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award.
“When I was notified of winning the award, I was surprised and happy,” Dr. Siegfried said. “I am currently in my seventh year at SMC and it is always nice to be recognized for the work I do.”
Dr. Siegfried has taught chemistry at SMC since 2015 and currently serves as the chair of the science department. Colleagues praise his commitment to perfecting his teaching craft through long hours and taking certification courses to learn new strategies and approaches to the profession.
“Adam brings to the department a genuine love of learning,” said Dr. Judy Mirick, professor of physics and physical science at SMC. “He is a quiet leader, a good listener, and encourages all of us to share new ideas with each other about what works best in the classroom.”
Dr. Siegfried is also committed to his field, having published several papers and journal articles. He has also given his time to SMC and the science department, including developing the physical science web pages for the College and serving on numerous committees ranging from new hire search committees to the faculty steering committee to the 10-year master plan committee for the school.
“The students adore him,” Dr. Mirick said. “I have had the opportunity to see how receptive his students are to him. He does an outstanding job teaching a very difficult subject, and he has an open-door policy for students to come speak to him any time he is there. This strong rapport with students is what makes them really appreciate him.”
SCICU is a charitable organization that represents 21 liberal arts institutions in South Carolina focused on strengthening the state’s independent schools through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement. The Excellence in Teaching Award is accompanied by a $3,000 research grant funded by SCICU.
“I plan to do some research into how to blend chemistry and art into specific lessons and laboratory activities that allow students to better understand the interdisciplinary nature of most subjects,” he said of his plans for the grant. “Science labs can be tough to instill intrinsic curiosity, but with a lesson and activity they view more as art and fun it will help to bring out their curiosity about the world.”
Dr. Siegfried has previously been awarded the Award for Exemplary Teaching by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) of the United Methodist Church.