We are extremely pleased to share that Dr. Cynthia Gill, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, received the “Excellence in Teaching” award this spring from the University System of Maryland’s (USM) Board of Regents. On May 1, the governing board honored 17 faculty members from nine of the system’s 12 institutions during the 2020 University System of Maryland Regents’ Faculty Awards ceremony at Bowie State University. Honorees exemplify excellence in five categories: Public Service; Scholarship, Research or Creative Activity; Mentoring; Teaching; and Innovation. These awards are the highest honor the system’s governing board bestows upon faculty members.
Dr. Gill joined UMES’ faculty in 1993, when the last group of UMES physical therapy graduates earned a bachelor’s degree and the curriculum was transitioning to graduate-level instruction. Today, UMES offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree to meet professional standards of practice. Gill described how “teaching appeals to me … because of the gratification I feel when a student experiences the ‘ah-ha’ moment,” Also, as a physical therapist, “I believe teaching healthcare professionals is very important because I assume what and how well they learn will impact their future patients.”
Nominating committees at each USM institution make recommendations to their respective presidents, who review nominations and supporting material and then forward names to Chancellor Jay A. Perman. The Regents’ Faculty Review Committee makes the final recommendations. “It’s very humbling and gratifying to be recognized for something … I take very seriously and am continuously attempting to improve upon – and have spent the majority of my professional life doing,” Gill said.
Gill’s nomination described her as someone who “has excelled in the classroom, demonstrating a deep and abiding commitment to rigorous and innovative teaching.” Her primary responsibilities include teaching gross anatomy (advanced human anatomy), analysis of human movement (kinesiology / biomechanics) and medical imaging for physical therapists.
The peer recognition at this point in her career, Gill said, deeply moved her. “I feel honored and gratified to be recognized for something I love doing and am continually trying to improve upon,” she said. The entire physical therapy program is extremely proud of Dr. Gill’s achievement and very fortunate to have her as a core faculty member for over 25 years.
Congratulations and Thank you Dr. Gill.
Department of Physical Therapy
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
