The Association of Public and Land-Grant (APLU) University system announced the recipients of the Universities of Excellence as recognized by the Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards November 11. UMES is among 63 educational institutions honored.
“Today, we recognize the extraordinary efforts of educators, teachers, researchers, leaders, and extension professionals whose science-based work creates a tremendous positive impact by helping their clientele seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges they face through advanced technology,” said Dr. Scott Angle, director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.
The Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards recognize university faculty for engaging and preparing students for the future, he said. It recognizes individuals committed to programs in lifelong learning and contributions to improving communities.
Dr. Lurline Marsh, a professor in UMES’ Department of Agriculture, Food and Resources Sciences, has been lauded as a recipient of the food and Agricultural Sciences Excellence in College and University Awards Program. Over her 15 year career at UMES, Marsh has taught a range of horticulture courses including plant propagation, current issues in sustainable agriculture, crop physiology and ecology, international agriculture development, and the general education courses introduction to plant science and first year experience seminar. She includes team based teaching with the collaboration of peers to complement her expertise and enrich her courses. Experiential learning is an integral part of her teaching, including her study-abroad trips with students who affirm that the experiences improve their personal growth.
Marsh has won over $4 million in collaborative teaching and research grants that support training, mentoring and professional development of students at UMES. Across different agriculture disciplines, students hone their soft and disciplinary skills through these grants. Her research includes organic agriculture, food safety, soil health, and specialty crop and precision agriculture.
“UMES has joined a distinguished list of universities being honored,” said Dr. Moses Kairo, dean, UMES School of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences. “This award affirms the high quality of instruction provided at UMES and is truly reflective of the university’s push towards excellence. Without a doubt, Dr. Marsh touches and makes a difference in the lives of students every day – I salute her for her dedication and tremendous commitment to students.”
Pictured, from left, at the awards ceremony are: Dr. Doug Steel APLU vice president, Food Agriculture and Natural Resources; Dr. Moses Kairo, dean, UMES School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences; Dr. Lurline Marsh, professor, UMES Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences; Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA deputy undersecretary, Research, Education and Economics; and Dr. Juan Marcos Fernandez; chair APLU Academic Programs Committee on Organization and Policy (ACOP) and associate dean and director of Academic Programs, College of Agriculture, Purdue University.
