Wallace Named Maryland Carnegie Professor of the Year

James Wallace, director of the Gemstone Program and a professor in mechanical engineering, has been named 2005 Maryland Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

The award, given to one professor in each of the 50 states, recognizes faculty members for their achievements as undergraduate professors. Winners are chosen on the basis of their extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching, determined by excellence in the following four areas: impact on and involvement with undergraduate students; scholarly approach to teaching and learning; contributions to undergraduate education in the institution, community, and profession; and support from colleagues and current and former undergraduate students.

The award is offered in coordination with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Awardees are nominated by their peers.

Wallace has taught courses from large sections of fluid dynamics to honors seminars since he joined the university in 1975. He was instrumental in the founding of the undergraduate certificate in Science, Technology and Society (STS), and the ensuing College Park Scholars program, also in STS. He served on the committee that produced and implemented the Core Liberal Arts and Sciences Study Program (CORE).

Wallace was named a university Distinguished Scholar-Teacher in the 1987-88 academic year.

"My hope is that the lives of many students have been enriched by my efforts during the 30 years I have worked with them," Wallace says. "They have certainly enriched mine."

Published November 17, 2005