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Stutz Named Massachusetts Professor of the Year The annual event is co-sponsored by The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The U.S. Professors of the Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country. It is one of the most prestigious awards honoring professors who excel as teachers and influence the lives and careers of their students. Stutz, who has taught at Assumption since 1995 and currently serves as chairperson of the Education Department, is truly a passionate and inspiring teacher. In a letter of support from one of her colleagues, Dr. Susan Perschbacher Melia, interim assistant dean of studies and faculty member in the department of Sociology, wrote, “Her joy in learning translates into joy in teaching, which she calls ‘her life’s work.’ For Cathy, teaching is a true vocation, a calling.” Melia concluded her letter by stating, “Through her love of learning and sharp intelligence she has crafted a career in education that inspires those of us around her in the recognition that ours is a proud and moral and honorable profession.” Dr. Stutz, who earned a B.A. and an M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania and an Ed.D. from Boston University in 1995, says, “Teaching is not only my life’s work, but an integral part of my identity. Despite teaching being so tightly interwoven into my consciousness and my existence, it still seems mysterious to me—it is that mystery and wonder of teaching that continues to entice me.” David Cappella, associate professor of English at Central Connecticut State University and guest lecturer at Assumption College, has been inspired by the devotion to teaching displayed by Dr. Stutz. “Her total dedication to undergraduate learning, her support for colleagues and former students, her scholarly approach to teaching and learning, and her contributions to her institution, community, and profession are unparalleled. Dr. Stutz is one of the best college teachers that I have ever seen,” wrote Cappella. It is that insatiable quest to better understand the art of teaching that makes Dr. Stutz a mentor to many of her students. According to a letter from a former student, “Through her teaching, Professor Stutz has inspired my own desire to teach and has given me a model of a teacher I hope to be someday.” Dr. Stutz will represent Massachusetts for the next year as a recipient of this honor. Her commitment to the study of teaching and her continuous passion to help her students to be the best teachers they can be, have earned her praise and respect on campus. Being recognized nationally for that commitment “…(is) an honor for which I’m deeply appreciative,” said Stutz Mary Lou Anderson, Ed.D, dean of the College and Graduate School, offered similar praise in a letter to selection officials. “Cathy challenges students to think critically and respond with thought and care to answers posed in class…colleagues have observed that her strengths as a teacher are numerous, but, in particular, her skill and use of probing discussion questions that address all levels of learning is impressive,” said Dean Anderson. “This award is not only a tremendous honor for Cathy and her impressive teaching talent, but it is also a reflection on Assumption’s outstanding and dedicated faculty members who like, Dr. Stutz, inspire our students to think critically, act compassionately, and prepare for a life of engaged civility,” said Dr. Thomas R. Plough, president of the College. Stutz was selected from among 300 top professors in the United States. The Professor of the Year program, created in 1981, is the only national initiative specifically designed to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. Stutz resides in her hometown of Carlisle, MA with her husband, Guy. Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1905, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is an independent policy and research center with a primary mission “to do all things necessary to encourage, uphold and dignify the profession of teaching. The improvement of teaching and learning is central to all of the work of the Foundation. CASE is the largest international association of education institutions, serving more than 3,200 universities, colleges, schools and related organizations in 54 countries. CASE is the leading resource for professional development, information and standards in the fields of education fundraising, communications, marketing, and alumni relations.
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Worcester, MA (November 16, 2006) - Assumption College Assistant Professor of Education,