The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of the Provost announced that Kelly Gable, PharmD, is the recipient of the annual Teaching Excellence Award for tenure-track faculty. It is the most prestigious teaching award that a faculty member can receive at SIUE.
Gable is an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice in the School of Pharmacy. She received a $2,000 prize as part of the award.
“It is a wonderful honor to receive this award and to bring awareness to the field that I am so passionate about,” said Gable, a Medora native who now resides in St. Louis. “I love to teach, because it affords me the opportunity to impact young minds.
“My hope is that every student, who walks away from our program, feels empowered to make a difference in a person’s life, to help those less fortunate, or to break down the stigma associated with mental illnesses. I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love.”
Gable will be recognized during SIUE’s May commencement ceremony later this week and speak at the December commencement ceremony. She will be nominated for the Council of Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for the National Professor of the Year Award.
Chair of the Teaching Excellence Awards committee McKenzie Ferguson, PharmD, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice, cited Gable as an extraordinary educator. The committee noted Gable’s empathy and competence as a specialized healthcare provider who consistently encourages students to be self-reflective. She was recognized for being a strong role model for pharmacy students, nursing students, medical students and residents. Gable had previously been honored as the School of Pharmacy’s Preceptor of the Year and received the social work humanitarian award.
“Dr. Gable is not only an excellent teacher in the classroom, but also has proven to be a quality clinical preceptor,” said Gireesh Gupchup, dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy. “Her students often comment that her didactic and clinical teaching in her specialty area of psychiatry have been transformational in their careers.
“Dr. Gable’s passion for her specialty is unrivaled, and this becomes evident to all her students in the health professions. It is an honor to have Dr. Gable as a faculty member at SIUE.”
Gable is also an adjunct assistant professor with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology and Psychiatry. Her clinical appointment is with Places for People in St. Louis, where she works collaboratively with psychiatry and social work in the treatment of persons with persistent and severe mental illnesses.
A board certified psychiatric pharmacist, Gable joined the SIUE School of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in 2007. She attained both a bachelor’s in pharmaceutical sciences and a PharmD at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. She completed a specialty residency in psychiatric pharmacy practice at the University of Southern California.
Teaching Distinction Awards went to four faculty members. Kathy Costello, Ph.D., Anne Flaherty, Ph.D., Jack Glassman, Ph.D., and Ryan Krauss, Ph.D., are all recipients of $500 prizes.
Costello is a recipient for her work in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction within the School of Education. The Chicago native earned a bachelor’s in biology from Northern Illinois University and a master’s in forest ecology from SIU Carbondale. She joined the SIUE faculty in 2006.
The committee acknowledged Costello’s teaching through hands-on learning and genuine concern for the student learning that extends beyond the classroom. Her attention to detail, day-to-day consistency and enthusiasm drew praise. The committee enjoyed Costello’s ability to help student teachers learn to adapt to difficult teaching situations in adolescent education.
Flaherty is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science within the College of Arts and Sciences. She joined the SIUE faculty in 2009.
The committee complimented Flaherty’s strong commitment to teaching and her capability to engage students in thoughtful discussion, particularly relating to controversial issues. Her ability to display enthusiasm for the material and historical content, while making it applicable to current events is a positive attribute. She stimulates students to think critically through discussion or writing assignments.
Flaherty earned a bachelor’s in political science/international studies from the University of Richmond. The Watertown, N.Y., native achieved a master’s in peace and conflict studies from the University of Sydney in Australia. She earned a doctorate in political science from Duke.
Glassman was complimented for his depth of physics knowledge along with an enthusiastic, articulate and thoughtful display of pedagogy. His classroom approach involves teaching in a more conversational method as opposed to formal lecturing. As a result, he creates a comfortable environment for students to inquire and think critically.
Glassman earned a bachelor’s in physics from the University of Arizona. After achieving a master’s in physics from the University of New Mexico, the New York City native went on to earn a doctorate at UNM in optical sciences. He joined the SIUE faculty in 2004.
Krauss is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the School of Engineering and has been with the department since September 2006.
The committee pointed to Krauss’ ability to employ a variety of teaching methods to enhance student understanding of complicated material. He was commended for being responsive to student comments and working continually to improve his approach to teaching for the long-term success of the students.
Krauss earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University and a master’s in engineering mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He attained a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Three faculty members received Teaching Recognition Awards. Amie King, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Speech Education and Communication Disorders within the School of Education; Cassandra Maynard, PharmD, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice; and Brad Reed, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Accounting in the School of Business received $250 prizes.
The committee was impressed with King’s over-flowing energy and status as a role model to students. Her rapport with students is commendable, and her commitment to professional development is highly evident.
King joined the SIUE faculty in 2010. The Mt. Vernon native earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications sciences and disorders from Saint Louis University. She achieved a doctorate in speech and hearing science from the University of Illinois.
Maynard was credited with utilizing unique games and teaching strategies to help students understand content. She also injects humor to make information relatable and fun to all students.
Maynard earned a bachelor’s and doctorate of pharmacy from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. The Bloomington native has worked in the area of in-patient cardiovascular medicine at St. Mary’s for the past 12 years.
Reed was applauded for teaching with plentiful relevant examples to real world situations. He not only cares for his students’ success in the classroom, but also after graduation in their pursuit of certification.
Reed achieved both bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from Brigham Young University. A Springville, Utah native, he earned a doctorate in accounting from the University of Arizona. He joined the SIUE faculty in 1995.