Dr. Pamela Peek
2003 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient
Dr. Peek has been a member of the CSU family since 1987 when she was a Visiting Professor working on her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of South Carolina, with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Involvement with the Future Teachers of America, helping other tutors, and feeling a desire to make a difference in the classroom led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Spanish. It was during her Teaching Assistantship at USC that she realized she loved teaching at the college level.
Dr. Peek’s love for teaching, the Spanish language, and Spanish literature can be seen in every class she teaches. Having the opportunity to know each student on a personal basis enhances the learning environment established in the classroom, and also makes the students feel more comfortable, which leads to them being more willing to participate in class. Whether it’s in student conferences, interviews in Spanish, or tutoring, she strives to challenge students to learn and develop their language skills.
Each summer, Dr. Peek takes students to Spain on CSU’s Study Abroad Program. This is a very intense four-week language and culture class in Salamanca, a historic pre-Roman city, the site of the second oldest university in Europe. The students board with Spanish families, which immerses them in the Spanish language and culture. It also provides them with a good environment in which to gain experience firsthand, since most of the families do not speak English. During the week, the students have daily classes in conversation, grammar, composition, and culture with Dr. Peek and native Spanish instructors. On Saturdays, she and the students make trips to other cities, visiting museums, churches, and notable historic sites. They worship together on Sundays, after which the students are free to pursue their own activities in Salamanca.
But Dr. Peek is good at more than just Spanish. She also enjoys writing stories and poetry, and playing the autoharp, organ, and handbells.
Nominees are determined by a faculty vote. The recipient is selected by the CSU Board of Trustees from among three finalists.
The Excellence in Teaching Award is awarded annually to a full-time CSU faculty member who
- is available during office hours and beyond
- is conscientious and dedicated to his/her profession and to his/her students
- is known for his/her effectiveness as an instructor and for creative and innovative classroom technique
- relates positively to other faculty members and to students
- continues to grow professionally
- is a good role model consistent with the Charleston Southern University mission
- is concerned about, participating in, and/or attending extracurricular activities associated with the University
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Other Winners Include ...
2008: Pat Bower
2007: Dr. John Kuykendall
2006: Dr. Aaron Baldwin
2005: Dr. Don Clerico
2004: Dr. Amy Nolan
2003: Dr. Pamela Peek
2003: Dr. Stan Perrine
2002: Dr. Scott Yarbrough
2001: Dr. David Phillips
1999: Dr. Maxwell Rollins
1998: Dr. Arnold Hite
1997 and 1990: Dr. Steve Best
1996: Dr. Susan Styles
1995: Professor Katherine Huger
1994: Dr. David Naylor
1993: Dr. Delores Jones
1992: Dr. Tunis Romein
1991: Professor Linda Gooding
1989: Dr. Carol Drowota
1988: Dr. Harriette Magee
