President Bob Davies and political science department colleagues paid a visit to Room 509 in Faculty Hall Tuesday morning to present Winfield Rose, professor of Humanities and Fine Arts, the 2015 Distinguished Professor award.
The award, despite its relatively small size, carries with it honor and recognition of a faculty members’ teaching excellence, classroom performance, concern for students, professional activity and service to the University and community.
The award is given out every year by surprising the recipient with a classroom visit. Established in 1964, the award is shaped, and appropriately nicknamed, “the Golden Apple.”
David Moss, president of the University’s Alumni Association, presented the award to Rose, who said receiving the award was the first time in his life that he has ever been speechless.
Rose said he has fun as a professor and has enjoyed the past 36 years since he began teaching at Murray State.
“This is my life,” Rose said of his career. “I have fun everyday. I look forward to every class and it flies by and then I look at my watch and say, ‘Oh my goodness it’s 12:15, I have to quit.’”
Davies, who was thanked by Rose for his leadership at Murray State, said Rose did much more important work than he did: teaching students.
In addition to the award, Rose will be given a $1,000 cash reward, he will lead the faculty processional at the spring commencement exercises and will have his name added to the Distinguished Professor plaque in Faculty Hall. A student will also be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship in Rose’s honor.
Rose will be recognized for the Distinguished Professor award at the Faculty Banquet April 16.
Story by Mary Bradley, Editor-in-Chief