Dr. Andrew B. Artis, assistant professor of marketing at the University of South Florida Polytechnic, has been recognized for his innovative teaching methods by the Marketing Management Association.

Artis is one of 10 marketing professors from across the nation to receive an award from the MMA as part of its 2009 Master Teaching Competition. The competition is designed to acknowledge marketing faculty members who exhibit teaching excellence. Among its goals, the MMA aims to promote professionalism in marketing through excellence in education and training.

"We are very proud of Dr. Artis and his work," said Dr. Judith Ponticell, sr. associate vice president, USFP. "He is a key example of a practitioner scholar. He is able to integrate professional experience, theory and research, real world problem solving, and learner-centered approaches to develop not only students' knowledge and skills but also their understanding of themselves as learners and future professionals. He has impact.

Dr. Richard Plank, who nominated Artis for the award, said, "He has already received the highest teaching award granted by our Student Government Association (SGA Outstanding Faculty Award 2007), and he has received the highest award granted by our faculty and provost (Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award 2007-2008). These are noteworthy accomplishments for any hard-working professor, but what makes him uniquely qualified for the MMA's Master Teaching Award is that his pedagogical research and innovative methods have the potential to advance how we conduct marketing management education in this country. For instance, his research in self-directed learning and college literacy methods has changed how we teach at USF Polytechnic. Many students who have taken his marketing management course report that it has changed their lives."

Student Kyle Burkett of Bartow agrees: "Dr. Artis is the best professor I've ever had in my entire life. By relating theory to practice, he makes it easy to translate what you know to the real world. He has also helped me a lot personally. He's available and willing to help you if you're willing to work."

"Dr. Artis is amazing. I have a lot of admiration for him," said Lakeland student Dee Ann Vann. "He completely prepares his students for entry into an executive atmosphere. He teaches more than just marketing. He teaches you how to succeed in life and business. I learned so much from him. He inspired me and motivated me to challenge myself."

When asked about the award Artis said, "It's great feedback to be recognized by a national organization whose central goal is to improve marketing education. As an active researcher and teacher, I cannot always be sure other educators will value or adopt the new tools I am developing. An award like this tells me I'm on the right track and encourages me to double my efforts.

"This award also says something about USF Polytechnic: our faculty is being encouraged to conduct applied research and develop new teaching methods that warrant national recognition. I would never have dreamed I could have accomplished this if it weren't for the encouragement and support coming from the administration and my academic colleagues."

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.