Dr. Eric Frauman (left) pictured with Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education Chair, Dr. Dale Adkins
Dr. Eric Frauman, Associate Professor in the Recreation Management Program, received the Wayne Duncan Faculty Enrichment and Teaching Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching in General Education presented by the University College on April 26, 2017. Frauman's award is directly linked to a course he developed in 2012 titled, "Natural Resources: Becoming an Informed Citizen." The course was designed to address the history and politics of natural resources and environmental issues through the lens of outdoor recreation. One nominator wrote, "Being provided a structure in which to learn the essentials of good citizenship was a unique and important opportunity, especially in the increasingly politicized world we live in. I was able to call my representatives and senators, write about the links between policy and environment, present on the global environmental policy climate, and in general learn how to treat both people and the earth with a combination of respect and accountability." Another added, "Dr. Frauman personally fostered a space that welcomed diverse worldviews, and kindly provided feedback and assistance to any student who asked. On the odd occasion I popped into his office outside class time, he exemplified a warmth and professionalism that I believe typifies the very best of Appalachian State University faculty." Frauman reflected on how the course pertains to his teaching philosophy, "Each day that I meet with students, my primary goal is to tell a story that is relevant, engaging and memorable. It is a story that I hope encourages students to want to learn more and become more aware."
Dr. Adam Hege, Assistant Professor in the Public Health program within the Department of Health and Exercise Science, was also recognized by the University College with the Excellence in Community Engagement Award. Hege responded with deep gratitude upon winning the award, "As someone who seeks to be a community engaged citizen down to my core being, a public health advocate striving for social justice at the societal level, and a professor focused on instilling the same passion in our students, I am overwhelmed with excitement at being nominated for and receiving this coveted award. Through the layers of civic engagement, the pursuit of social justice and providing meaningful student learning experiences that incorporate these, it is evident of the need for and the importance of collaboration between community members and the academic institution in pursuing a better quality of life for our local community and the world at large. As an academic professor in the field of Public Health, it is vital for me to stimulate students' interest and involvement in community action and to translate our course objectives into developing an understanding of the needs and concerns of our local communities. For those reasons, connecting students with local research and practice through service-learning opportunities, link directly to my community-engaged research projects aimed at alleviating health disparities while also helping to facilitate students' own individual community-engaged projects. It is my desire to motivate them to understand that each of us can make a difference. In fact, nothing makes me prouder than to inspire young minds to seek active involvement in social justice issues on our campus, in our community and at the state, national and global levels."
Congratulations Eric and Adam on your well-deserved recognition!