Assistant English Professor Caitlin Hudgins was named the WVU Potomac State College Outstanding Professor of the Year during a luncheon held May 8 at the Candlewyck Inn in Keyser.
Brian Plitnick, chair of the faculty assembly, said the award is chosen through an open nomination process, where students and others are able to write short narratives about their nominee.
“And reading some of these nominations was really quite impressive,” Plitnik said.
Comments regarding Hudgins that were submitted by students at PSC included:
- “She demonstrates a Potomac State faculty commitment to education as well as showing a work ethic, compassion, and a love of teaching.”
- “She is an amazing professor. She is always prompt in answering emails and questions in class.”
- “She is very understanding, and she makes class fun.”
- “She includes activities with her classes to make learning fun.”
- “She actually engages with her students and makes class interesting.”
- “She has always given her all with teaching and finds ways for all of her students to learn their lesson.”
- “She genuinely seems like she cares about everyone, whether or not they understand the material and whether or not they pass her class.”
- “Her bubbly personality is always a welcome attitude from a teacher.”
- “I was dreading college, and I was very nervous about it, but she has helped me in some of my hardest classes. She makes learning and comprehending easy.”
“I have applied for this award before,” Hudgins said. “The last time I applied for this was maybe five years ago. At that time, I went to the trouble of getting the students to write me recommendation letters, and maybe a couple of faculty members to write me recommendation letters, and then I totally forgot about it. I didn’t get the award then and probably deservedly so. This time, I was excited to put together an actual file when I found out I was nominated.”
Hudgins said establishing the Writing Center inside the library has been one of her proudest endeavors as a professor at the College.
“I believe the Writing Center didn’t even exist the last time I was nominated for this award, and the Writing Center has been my baby,” she said. “Having everyone to work with, plus our tutors, staff, and faculty, has encouraged students to come to the Writing Center and get help to make their writing stronger and being able to ask for encouragement. I am really thankful for this recognition.”
Plitnik said 70 written nominations were submitted for 24 professors on campus. Associate Professor Danielle Lessard was chosen as this year’s finalist for the Outstanding Professor of the Year.
“The selection process for choosing Outstanding Professor of the Year is – as always – extremely difficult,” he said. “Ultimately, teaching is an art form. The two finalists we had for this year intuitively understand this. They meet students where they are, but also are not content to let the students stay where they are. Both finalists not only excel in the teaching aspects of their job but are also committed to serving the College and the community.”