Incredibly good-looking guy wins an award

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

******************** Prof. James W.T. Moody recieves LSSU Distinguished Teaching Award

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University students have chosen longtime history and anthropology professor James W. T. Moody as recipient of this year's Distinguished Teaching Award. The award was announced on Saturday during commencement ceremonies on campus, when nearly 650 students received degrees. "The Distinguished Teacher is a member of the LSSU community who exemplifies the best of our university," said LSSU Provost Bruce Harger in his introduction of Moody.

He said a distinguished teacher is caring, compassionate, available to students, demanding but fair, and an expert in the field that he teaches. Moody, a Fulbright Scholar who studied at University of London, came to LSSU in 1971 after teaching for seven years at Greenville College.

The Rockford, Illinois native holds a bachelor's degree from Greenville and master's degree in history from Michigan State University. "When I began teaching here 35 years ago, I wondered how long my career would be," Moody said as he accepted his award. "I have enjoyed every year...I extend my thanks to the committee of students and colleagues for this honor." Recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award are chosen by a committee comprising five of the most recent recipients of the award and graduating students who have the highest grade point averages in their schools.

Nominations come from students, faculty, staff and alumni. Students who nominated Moody said they appreciated his knowledge of his field and the passion he exhibited in his teaching. "I took away knowledge of how to become the teacher that people admire, and hope that in my elementary education career that I will acquire some of the same attributes that will inspire others to become admirable teachers," said one of his students. "When I asked questions about why I was marked down on a test, he would answer that he expected much better of me," said another student. "His expectations caused me to strive to write better essays and he showed me that I was capable of achieving more."

A former student, now a college professor in Virginia, said Moody captivates his audience, especially with tales of his travels. "His office is a treasure trove of statuary and artifacts and he provides unique insights about their many origins."

Besides teaching at LSSU, Moody has been active in the community since his arrival in 1971.

He served on the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission, was chairman of the Kincheloe Air Force Base Conversion Authority, and was a member of the former St. Mary's River Regional Study Commission, as well as the Chippewa County Historical Society.

******************** Photo of Kristin putting weird stuff on Christina Coutu's hat