The latest group of Bingham Endowed Chairs for Teaching Excellence at Transylvania University has been named in recognition of the positive impact the faculty members are having on students.
Professors Peter Fosl, Kurt Gohde and James Wagner were selected by an independent committee of educators from other colleges based on a rigorous application process.
Bingham Endowed Chairs receive a $25,000 annual award in addition to a base salary and benefits. The awards are part of a $25 million, 15-year grant funding up to 12 chairs — with as many as three named each year.
The honor recognizes professors in all fields for their engaging, innovative teaching. And it helps ensure the school continues to attract and retain outstanding faculty members.
“These Bingham Endowed Chairs embody Transylvania’s commitment to academic excellence while inspiring our Pioneers with a passion for learning,” President Brien Lewis said. “I congratulate each of them for this well-deserved honor.”
Last year’s inaugural Bingham Endowed Chairs were biology professor Paul Duffin, Chinese language and culture professor Qian Gao and history and classics professor Frank Russell.
About this year’s Bingham Endowed Chairs
Peter Fosl, who joined Transylvania’s faculty in 1998, is a professor of philosophy and director of the philosophy, politics and economics program. He earned a Ph.D. and M.A. from Emory University and a bachelor’s from Bucknell University — and his areas of specialization include David Hume, skepticism and early modern philosophy. Fosl’s co-authored second edition of “The Ethics Toolkit” was recently celebrated at a faculty book party. His published works go well beyond books, though. “He has published more articles, essays and reviews than anyone should have to count,” according to the Bingham Board of Trust selection committee. “But more than anything else, it is his love of teaching that has animated his career.”
Art professor Kurt Gohde’s works can be seen around town, from galleries to the side of a building. He has an MFA from Syracuse University and a BFA from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Gohde, who also began at Transylvania in 1998, specializes in installation, video, sculpture, photography and digital imaging. “In selecting Gohde as a Bingham Chair awardee, the committee was deeply impressed with his consistent and enduring contribution to fostering creativity and developing a sense of connection amongst both his students and the larger Transylvania community.”
James Wagner is a professor of biology and program director. Before coming to Transylvania 30 years ago, he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, a master’s from the University of Maryland and his bachelor’s from the University of South Florida. Wagner, who engages students in interesting research, specializes in subjects like ecology, evolution and invertebrate zoology. “Wagner is a professor who cares deeply about his students’ learning, and students reciprocate and appreciate his efforts,” the committee reported.
About the Bingham Fund for Excellence in Teaching at Transylvania
Since 1987, the Bingham Fund for Excellence in Teaching at Transylvania has invested more than $30 million to develop, identify, promote and reward excellent classroom teaching. The fund has provided faculty awards and financial support to develop teaching initiatives, including summer seminars attended by faculty from a broad cross section of national liberal arts institutions. It has also supported the creation of a digital learning program to provide encouragement and professional assistance to faculty in the use of digital technologies in classroom teaching, as well as ongoing faculty development and faculty and student research through the David and Betty Jones Faculty Development Fund. Additionally, the Bingham Center for Teaching Excellence fosters faculty development and student success.