Circle of Excellence 2012

Teaching: Dr. Daniel M. Savage - Associate Professor of Political Science, College of Liberal Arts
BA East Central University, MA University of California, Santa Barbara, PhD University of California, Santa Barbara.

Dr. Savage has taught at NSU since 2005. Each semester he teaches two general studies American Federal Government courses and two upper division courses. Despite his courses being called "tough", he receives evaluations well above 4.0 for his general education classes and much higher for his upper division courses. One of his students wrote: "This is a man who truly cares about his students, his subject matter , and who has influenced my life." In addition, he advises half of NSU's political science majors, has revised and developed new courses, performs research with students, and sponsors the NSU OIL delegation.

Research: Dr. Roger W. West - Professor, College of Optometry
BA Western Washington State University, MA Western Washington State University, PhD University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, O.D. New England College of Optometry

Dr. West has taught at NSU since 1982. In addition to publishing a textbook in his area of specialty, Optics, he has published in excess of sixty articles, most in major optometry journals. In recent years, he has worked with optometry students to gain first authorships and to experience the joy of research. One former student wrote: "His vast knowledge of the subject matter and eagerness to teach future optometrists the importance and value of research is greatly respected among his colleagues and students."

Service: Dr. Brian Cowlishaw - Associate Professor, Department of Languages and Literature, College of Liberal Arts
BA Idaho State University, M.Coun. Idaho State University, MA Idaho State University, PhD University of Oklahoma

Dr. Cowlishaw has taught at NSU since 2003. In addition to his teaching load, Dr. Cowlishaw has extended his service to regional professional organizations, editing a journal, serving on many university committees, sponsoring student groups, working with student researchers and assisting in departmental administration. One of his students wrote: "Under his guidance my paper won the Undergraduate Research Day Award for the Liberal Arts College He is easy to work with, provides helpful, precise criticism, and is focused on the student."