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OU Dance Prof Wins Presidential Teacher Award


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A professor in Ohio University’s School of Dance, Film and Theater has won the university’s Presidential Teacher Award.

Tresa Randall, associate professor of dance, was named a Presidential Teacher for the year 2015. Randall, along with Robert Klein, associate professor of mathematics, will be presented the award at a ceremony sometime during 2015’s Fall Semester.

“It’s always nice to be recognized,” Randall said, “but especially for teaching.”

Randall, who teaches a combination of studio classes and courses on dance history and theory, added that she appreciated the “confirmation” that her methods are working. Randall has served as an academic advisor, as well as a mentor to students in the dance program seeking grants and undertaking research projects.

Associate Provost for Faculty and Academic Planning Howard Dewald described Randall’s teaching philosophy as “exceptional and fresh.”

Tresa Randall
Tresa Randall (osudance.blogspot.com)

“Her student engagement in the studio and in the classroom on the theoretical and historical issues of dance was impressive—a strong performer and scholar,” said Dewald, speaking on behalf of the selection committee.

The selection process for the award involves classroom observation, a portfolio review, as well as interviews. Members of the selection committee included a mix of faculty, including past winners of the award, as well as an undergraduate student and graduate student.

Some examples of Randall’s innovation at work include archive projects that have called for students to research the Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis Dance Collection, housed in Alden Library. Randall also designed two new courses: “Yoga Principles and Practice” and “Dance, Sexuality and Gender: Historical Perspectives.”

A total of four finalists were considered for the award, including professors Gary Coombs (management) and Lauren McMills (chemistry). There have been a total of 30 Presidential Teacher Awards presented since its inception in 2000.

“I feel like the award is also an acknowledgement that the kind of education all of us in dance are giving our students is valued by the University,” said Randall. “I think that’s exciting.”

Randall holds a Ph.D. in dance studies from Temple University and M.A. in dance history and criticism from the University of New Mexico. She received her B.A. in dance at Hamilton College.