Friends University congratulates the recipients of the W.A. Young Excellence in Teaching Award and the Jan LaFever Award for Adjunct Teaching. The awards were presented at the University’s Commencement ceremony on May 8.
Dr. Russell Arben Fox, professor of political science, director of the Honors Program and Model U.N. sponsor, received the 2021 W.A. Young Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Fox has been a professor at Friends since 2006. He offers his students experiences that encourage learning about life both in and outside the classroom. Students enjoy his classes because he provides opportunities for them to analyze their own lives and his engagement with his students demonstrates that he enjoys his job and loves the materials he teaches. A yearly highlight for Dr. Fox and his students is the annual trip to St. Louis for the Model United Nations conference. Dr. Fox is well respected locally for his contribution to his discipline as an expert on local and urban democracy.
Paul Hill, professor of Holy scriptures, received the 2021 Jan LaFever Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award. This award honors an individual who has taught for at least one year and shows extraordinary service to Friends University as a member of our adjunct faculty. Hill has served as an adjunct faculty member in both undergraduate and graduate programs for over 10 years and is an engaging storyteller who utilizes humor and anecdotal information to help students learn. Students note his wisdom and kindness help him connect with people from all walks of life. Hill is the founding Pastor of Wheatland Mission Church and a graduate of the Friends University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.