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Penson, Peterson, and Petrick Honored for Teaching
Oct. 2, 2009
Contact: Bill Gibbs, billgibbs@tamu.edu, 979-777-0171
COLLEGE STATION --Three faculty members from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University have received the 2009 Distinguished Achievement Awards for Teaching—College Level. Dr. John Penson Jr., Dr. David Peterson, and Dr. James Petrick, were presented the awards by the Association of Former Students at the 2009 Fall Faculty Reception on Sept. 30 at Texas A&M.
“Teaching is at the heart of our college’s mission, and these awards provide the opportunity to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding teaching faculty,” said Dr. Alan Sams, executive associate dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “These awards would not be possible without the support of the Association of Former students. We are pleased to be able to honor faculty who are truly making a difference in the classroom.”
The awards were presented by Patricia Gerling, assistant vice chancellor for University and system Relations, Texas A&M AgriLife.
Penson is Regents Professor and Stiles Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Agricultural Economics. He earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees in agribusiness from Southern Illinois University and his doctoral degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois. He joined the Texas A&M faculty in 1975. He was won 16 major awards for his teaching and research in agricultural economics. The fourth edition of a textbook he co-authored, “Introduction to Agricultural Economics”, is used in 64 colleges and universities Among his former doctoral students are a Rhodes Scholar, a senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank, and the chief economist for Fannie Mae.
Presentation remarks: Dr. Penson
Peterson is a professor and associate head for undergraduate programs in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. He earned his bachelor science degree in chemistry from Pomona College and his doctoral degree in chemistry from Harvard University. He joined the Texas A&M faculty in 1981. He teaches both upper division and graduate level courses in genetics and biochemistry and has garnered nearly $2 million in research grants. He was named the Honors Student Council Faculty Mentor of the Year in 2008. A Fish Camp in 2004 was named for him. In 1999, he earned the Association of Former Students College Level Teaching Award. He also advises students and directs the summer orientation program the department.
Presentation remarks: Dr. Peterson
Petrick is associate professor and AgriLife Research Fellow in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. Petrick earned a bachelor of science degree in recreation and parks management, and a master of science degree in recreation management and therapeutic recreation, from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. His doctoral degree in parks, recreation and tourism management is from Clemson University. He joined the Texas A&M Faculty in 1999.During the past 10 years he has received nearly 20 honors and awards including Professor of the Year from the National Resort and Commercial Recreation Association. He also was twice named as Professor of the Year in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M.
Presentation remarks: Dr. Petrick
Photo: (left to right) Dr. Mark Hussey, Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dr. James Petrick, Dr. John Penson, Dr. James Peterson.
About the college:
With an enrollment of almost 6,700 students in 14 academic departments, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees and has a faculty of nearly 400 members, including two Nobel laureates. Research programs include food sustainability and safety, human and animal health, genetics, renewable natural resources and bioenergy. Mark Hussey is Vice Chancellor and Dean.
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