During the College of Arts & Sciences Commencement ceremony May 12, Biology Professor Terry Farrell won Stetson’s 2012 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching. This prestigious award was presented to Farrell by last year’s winner, Dr. Camille Tessitore King. King presented Farrell’s award using a technique similar to David Letterman’s “Top 10.” As she gave the top 10 reasons why the winner deserved this top faculty award, the audience was encouraged to guess who it could be; her humor cut through the suspense and made the journey fun and exciting. King hinted, “Students become ‘bitten,’ if you will, by this professor’s zeal.” The interest that was evoked through her presentation mirrored the interest that is continuously evoked in Farrell’s classroom. Reason number nine that “this professor” deserves this award, according to King: “Always fun and interesting.”

Farrell became intrigued by snakes at a young age. His interest ultimately led him to pursue his Ph.D. in Zoology at Oregon State University, and continue into a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. Farrell is dedicated to research. He has now been studying the field of pigmy rattlesnakes and box turtles for 20 years. His main interest is animal behavior and population biology concerning local populations of turtles and pigmy rattlesnakes. Farrell has co-authored and published 33 peer-reviewed articles, five popular-press articles (of the 19 printed publications, half have been co-authored by Stetson students), and given 51 presentations in the past 20 years. One of his colleagues, King reported, said he would be very surprised if this professor hasn’t been the “most prolific professor in the history of our department.” Reason number seven that Farrell deserves this award, according to King: “A consummate scholar.”

In addition to his passion for research, Farrell’s love for teaching is evident in every course he teaches. He teaches Ecology, Biostatistics, Invertebrate Zoology and Environmental Biology. He is known to teach with “excitement, enthusiasm, passion, and energy,” according to King, which is reflected in his students. “This professor has helped me to grow as a student and has helped me to develop a more scientific way of thinking through engagement in research,” King quoted another student. Farrell’s approach to teaching was described as “innovative” and “out of the ordinary,” King said.

Reason number four that Farrell deserves this award, said King: “Outstanding service to the university.” She went on to say, “I can’t think of any faculty member currently on this campus who has had a bigger, more positive impact on our facilities … even doing some of the renovations himself.”

Farrell’s way of teaching is uncommon and his impact on students is immeasurable. Reason number six that Farrell deserves this award, according to King: “He’s an inspiring teacher.”

The winner of the McEniry Award is chosen by faculty and students based on excellence in teaching and scholarship. Farrell has influenced students and faculty at Stetson, and personifies the best qualities in Stetson’s faculty through his scholarship, research, innovation, humor and care and concern for his students and the institution.

By Heather Teschner, intern, SUM Office