Whaley Honored with C-N?s Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award

Dr. Heather Whaley (center), assistant professor in Carson-Newman’s School of Family and Consumer Sciences, received the Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award from Dr. Kina Mallard, provost and C-N President Dr. Randall O’Brien.

Dr. Heather Whaley, an assistant professor in Carson-Newman’s School of Family and Consumer Sciences, received the institution’s Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award Tuesday morning as part of opening convocation for the academic year.

Given to a non-tenured faculty member since 1990, the honor is presented to creative and effective professors. It is considered an indicator of future promise as well as recognition of ability and student response. Beyond receiving a plaque and a $1,000 check, awardees’ names are added to a permanent display in Fite Administration Building.

“Heather is an exceptionally strong teacher and academic advisor who has quickly become a leader in her professional community,” praised Dr. Kitty Coffey, dean of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences. “She is an energetic and enthusiastic contributor to our academic unit and the institution. Beyond that, she is also active in her scholarly development and her church.”

Included among the courses Whaley teaches are Human Development through the Lifespan, Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Professional Orientation, and Senior Seminar. She holds the Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, the MS and the PhD, all of which she earned from the University of Tennessee.

The Knoxville resident supervises students in Family and Consumer Sciences Education at the secondary level and is an active member of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the National Council on Family Relations.