EKU's School of Business is pleased to announce the recipient of the Eleventh Annual Jack L. Dyer Excellence in Teaching Award. The recipient for 2014-15 is Dr. Qian Xiao, Assistant Professor of Management.
Nominations for the award were made by the Department Chairs for AFIS and MMIB. Nominees were reviewed by a three-member Selection Committee based on evidence of excellent classroom instruction. They also considered factors such as peer review of instruction, student evaluations of teaching performance, curriculum development, teaching load, and innovative teaching methods.
The selection committee noted that Dr. Xiao’s teaching evaluations and peer reviews have been excellent. Furthermore, students noted that Dr. Xiao’s classes included real world examples, current events, and business trends, which fostered engagement and enhancing learning. Dr. Xiao teaching style facilitates critical thinking in her classes.
Comments from her students were overwhelmingly positive. "Dr. Xiao's class was great. She knows the information and can relate it to the class very well. Her tests were difficult, but prepared us for them. She has a great personality and can make the students laugh and enjoy the information. I would take the class with her again. Thank you, Dr. Xiao."
Another student commented, "Dr. Xiao has an excellent rapport with her students. You can tell she enjoys the topics and is interested in the students. She presents a good sense of humor and pushes students to think. Dr. Xiao requires student participation and provides activities during class to guide student learning. She gives a thorough overview and summary of each discussion item.... Dr. Xiao is an excellent teacher!"
Dr. Xiao commented, "I'm very honored to win the award this year. It means a lot to me. I want to send my big “Thank you” to my chair Dr. Lana Carnes for nominating me for the honor, and to the award committee for recognizing my hard work. I understand that learning and teaching improvement is a never-ending process; I see this award as a big encouragement that motivates me to continue with my efforts and contributions to the college, the department, and students."
Dr. Xiao joined EKU's School of Business faculty three years ago teaching both principles and upper level course work in management that covers qualitative and quantitative courses as well as business strategy. Continually challenging herself, and her students, she introduced the flipped classroom and created innovative class projects. Her hard work did not go unnoticed. She was nominated by students, and received, EKU's 2013-14 Critical Thinking Teacher of the Year award.
We are proud to have quality professors such as Dr. Xiao and are pleased to recognize her for her efforts. The School of Business will formally recognize Dr. Xiao during the annual Jack L. Dyer Excellence in Teaching Award Luncheon in August.
Read more on the Dyer Awards...
