Dr. Andrew Artis of the University of South Florida Polytechnic has received one of 12 University-wide 2007/2008 Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Awards. An assistant professor of marketing in the Division of Business, Artis received formal recognition during an awards reception Dec. 1 at USF Tampa.  

"It is always an honor to be recognized by your peers," says Artis. "This is especially true given the number of outstanding teachers at USF. I am constantly reminding my students at USF Polytechnic that they get the academic rigor that comes with professors from a research extensive university, but in a small college setting. It is an ideal situation for both teaching and learning."

The award recognizes and encourages excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level.  Award candidates are reviewed through an evaluation process that encompasses peer review and Provost's review of a candidate's submitted professional teaching folio. Recipients of the award are recognized for demonstrated excellence in preparing students for work in the major, as well as for providing a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Artis becomes the first faculty member from USF Polytechnic to receive the award.

"It may have my name engraved on the award, but it represents something special about all of the faculty and staff who work at USF Polytechnic," he says. "We care deeply about our students, and we will go to great lengths to prepare them for their professional careers.

"I love that we are shifting to the polytechnic model because it places so much emphasis on hands-on practical learning. This fits well with our students and the careers awaiting them. In my classes we may start with some theory in a traditional textbook, but I guarantee you we will end up getting our hands dirty by dealing with real-world issues, problems and opportunities."

Artis also received USF Polytechnic's Outstanding Faculty Award for fall 2007. Presented by the USFP Student Government Association, the award is the highest campus-level honor for faculty members.

"Students know that I respect them and care about them," says Artis. "This allows me to help them confront weaknesses that they normally hide from those they do not trust. It's funny. You would think that students would avoid my courses because they are among the most rigorous. However, because they know I'm working to help them they invest the time and effort." 

What advice does Artis have for aspiring teachers? "It is a waste of students' time and taxpayers' money to teach down to the students," he says. "Instead, make your courses relevant and academically rigorous. Then motivate your student to raise their performance to meet that higher standard. It is a lot more work for you as a teacher, but students will appreciate and remember your efforts."

Artis received his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and joined the USF Polytechnic faculty in 2003. A native of Idaho, he enjoyed a successful career in marketing and sales before he started teaching.