Jenora Waterman, Ph.D.
Each year, a leading faculty member from each of the constituent institutions of the UNC System is chosen to receive the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. This year, Waterman, an associate professor, is N.C. A&T’s honoree.
This is the third year in a row that a CAES faculty member has received the award. Valerie McMillan, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, won in 2019, and Radiah Minor, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, won in 2018. Antoine Alston, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for academic studies, won in 2010.
“Dr. Waterman is an excellent professor who shows commitment to the excellence of teaching her students and in researching how agricultural practices effect the animals and humans involved,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Beryl McEwen. “She’s a valuable resource for students and has remained committed to helping them reach their full potential in her courses, lab and the workforce.”
Waterman’s teaching style is one that engages students and teaches them to be “thought leaders” while inspiring them to become lifelong learners.
“My goal as an effective teacher is to develop two of the most essential skills needed in today’s global workspace: communication and critical thinking skills,” she said.
Her course content and assessments are hinged on building these two skills. For example, her students create original podcasts, participate in Socratic debates, analyze relevant non-fiction books to critically analyze, communicate their thoughts, and apply information they learn.
“Dedicated, demanding, enthusiastic and caring are the words I would use to describe her as a teacher,” said Mohamed Ahmedna, dean of the CAES. “When she speaks, her enthusiasm for the students and the topic of discussion are both palpable.”
A faculty member since 2008, Waterman earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at Bennett College and North Carolina A&T, respectively. She earned her doctorate degree in functional genomics at North Carolina State University.
Each Excellence in Teaching awardee will receive a commemorative bronze medallion and a $12,500 cash prize.
Original article by Jordan Howse, University Relations
