McNair Scholars honor two faculty

11:05 a.m., Aug. 29, 2003--Two UD faculty members recently were recognized for their support and commitment to the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement and University Undergraduate Scholars programs.

The awards were presented to Julia Hubbard, assistant professor of psychology, and D. Heyward Brock, professor of English, during the fourth annual McNair and University Undergraduate Scholars Achievement and Celebration Dinner on Aug. 14, in Clayton Hall.

The awardees were nominated and chosen by students participating in the McNair and University undergraduate programs.

Hubbard was presented with the “Mentor of the Year” award in recognition of her “exemplary leadership in the community of scholars and her ability to serve as professor, adviser and friend to countless members in the UD community.”

McNair Scholar Jade Logan, a senior psychology major, said that Hubbard has been extremely supportive and has always held her students to high academic and research standards.

“I remember thinking that, when I first started working on my senior thesis, she was so demanding,” Logan said. “I soon came to realize that I was one of the luckiest people in the program, because she wanted me to work to my full potential.”

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Fellow McNair Scholar Adriane Smith, a senior psychology major, credited Hubbard with making undergraduate research a positive and rewarding educational experience.

“I had the opportunity to begin working in Julia Hubbard’s lab during Winter Session 2003,” Smith said. “It was my first taste of psychological research, and it has provided me with a more professional and advanced view of my work.”

Smith said she also was appreciative of Hubbard’s ability to explain course material thoroughly, as well as her commitment to helping all her students succeed.

“She exemplifies what a great mentor should be because she exemplifies the necessary elements,” Smith said. “She provided me with guidance, nurturance, constructive criticism and friendship.”

Brock, whose involvement with the McNair program began in 1999, has served in many capacities, including faculty member, advisory board member, mentor and academic advisor.

Among the contributions cited during the award presentation was Brock’s career-long support of educational opportunities for all students, as well as a pedagogy that fosters curiosity and while demanding and instilling integrity.

“His involvement has been exemplary. He has been a foundational presence in the McNair Scholars Program,” Maria Palacas, McNair program director, Office of Undergraduate Studies, said. “His award is a long overdue-expression of gratitude for his contributions of time and service.”

Article by Jerry Rhodes

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