Commencement

C-SC awards faculty prizes to Sadler and Gaither

CANTON, Mo. – Culver-Stockton College bestowed awards on two faculty members to honor teaching innovation and excellence during the 152nd C-SC Commencement on May 10.

The 2008 Walter S. Reuling Prize for Innovation in Student Learning was presented to Robert A. Sadler, professor of physical sciences. Sadler joined the Culver-Stockton faculty in 1991 as associate professor of computer science. He has taught courses in computers and management information systems for the business division as well as courses in geology, meteorology, physics, astronomy, environmental sciences and other physical sciences for the division of natural and mathematical sciences. He also teaches online courses as part of the C-SC Connected Campus program for students completing a bachelor's degree.

The Reuling Prize was created this year to honor former Culver-Stockton President Walter S. Reuling, who died last March. The cash award goes to a faculty member selected by his or her peers. Sadler's nomination cites his "breadth and depth of academic and intellectual experiences" that allows him to teach a wide range of courses. It also acclaims his use of active learning techniques in the classroom and his leadership in introducing technological advances as teaching tools.

"You are known by your insatiable hunger for learning, your zeal for teaching, and your mastery not only of the wide array of physical sciences, but also of many aspects of technology and business," reads the citation presented to Sadler. "We salute you as a true Renaissance man, an outstanding and creative educator, and the deserving recipient of this inaugural Reuling Prize."

Before joining the C-SC faculty, Sadler was professor of physics, astronomy and computer science at Eastern Wyoming Community College for 17 years. Concurrently, he was instructor of extension classes at the University of Wyoming. For eight years he worked summers as a park ranger in Yellowstone National Park and the Fort Laramie National Historic Site. He earned his bachelor's of science degree at the University of Missouri-Rolla, and both his master's degree and doctorate at the University of Wyoming. He is a member of the Association for Computer Machinery and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

Kimberly A. Gaither, assistant professor of finance, received the 2008 Helsabeck Prize for Excellence in Teaching. The prize is a cash award given annually to a faculty member who has been selected from student and faculty nominations.

Gaither, who earned her bachelor's degree at Culver-Stockton College in 1979, earned her master of business administration degree from Western Illinois University in 1990. She joined the C-SC faculty in 2003. Previously, she was general manager of Upchurch & Associates in Canton, Mo., developing customer projects for corporations nationally and internationally. She also taught business courses at Canton R-V and Highland High Schools and was assistant director of the Gamm Vocational Training Program for the Missouri Department of Education. She also served as a paralegal and secretary for the Smith and Westhoff Law Office.

Gaither has published and taught about technical writing.

The citation presented to Gaither during commencement cites comments from students that describe her teaching methods as both challenging and enjoyable. They also praise her devotion to her students and her willingness to make time to help them, both inside and outside the classroom.

"Students and colleagues admire and respect you as a clear thinker and ready volunteer, making a difference on campus and in the community," the citation reads.