Dr. David Phillips
2001 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient
Dr. David Phillips came to Charleston Southern in 1996. Originally from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, he received his B.A. in English from the University of California, Santa Cruz; his master’s degree from the University of Missouri; and his doctorate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has instructed at the University of Missouri, UNLV, Clark City Community College in Nevada, and Embry Riddle Aeronautical Institution, also in Nevada.
When he came for his interview at CSU in May 1996, he was impressed with the friendliness and openness of the faculty. The people of CSU are one of the reasons he decided to accept the job, and he has found he enjoys getting to know the students and building relationships with them.
Dr. Phillips uses several methods in the classroom to provoke interest in the subject and enhance class discussions. In his English 112 and Shakespeare classes, he has the students put on performances. In the English 112 class, they usually act out scenes from Oedipus Rex. In Shakespeare, the performances are from sections of various plays. The students divide into groups and adapt the scenes in different ways, using costumes and props. Though they can change the dialogue, they are not allowed to stray away from the actual meaning of the play. In upper level classes, which are usually smaller, he has the students form a circle with the desks, which helps promote discussions and keeps the class from feeling like a lecture.
Dr. Phillips does not take any credit for his teaching excellence, but attributes it all to good role models. His first Shakespeare professor was Dr. Denny Berthiaume, an English instructor at Foothill College. Though Shakespeare studies were not Dr. Berthiaume’s specialty, he was energetic and elicited excitement in the subject. At UNLV, Dr. Phillips’ dissertation director was Dr. Evelyn Gajowski. She was the one who introduced him to the practice of performances and forming circles.
When asked about any hobbies or talents, Dr. Phillips shrugged. Other than cooking, he sings tenor in the church choir and bass/baritone with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir. Though he does not collect them, Dr. Phillips is also interested in model trains. He has model trains from the 1930’s, 1940’s, and 1950’s that were his grandfather’s, and then his father’s. Dr. Phillips is also on the Church Council of the Circular Church, where he sings in the choir.
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
|
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
