Lannett Edwards, professor of animal science, and Andy Pulte, distinguished lecturer in plant sciences, received the inaugural WS Overton Distinguished Teaching Fellowships this fall semester from the Herbert College of Agriculture.
The WS Overton Distinguished Teaching Fellowship is a new award that recognizes our most accomplished instructors and is open to faculty with all or a portion of their appointment within the Herbert College of Agriculture for at least five years.
William Simpson Overton was a farmer in the Glen Alpine community of Anderson County, well known in state agricultural circles for his pioneering pasture practices and pasture exhibits at the Tennessee Valley A&I Fair in Knoxville. He established an endowment fund to support student and faculty excellence in the Herbert College of Agriculture.
Edwards joined UT Knoxville in 1997 and also serves as graduate director in the Department of Animal Science. Department head Neal Schrick remarked that Edwards is an “accomplished instructor who has displayed dedication to the education of our undergraduates and graduate students, an exceptional educator, and a pedagogical innovator.”
“I am deeply honored to have been selected by the Herbert College of Agriculture to be one of the first WS Overton Distinguished Teaching Fellows,” said Edwards. “I am so grateful to be a part of a team of individuals who constantly strive for teaching excellence.”
Pulte has deep roots in the horticulture industry, having grown up in the nursery business in Grand Island, Nebraska. He earned his PhD in plant sciences from UT Knoxville where he currently serves as a faculty member in the same department. In recommending Pulte for the fellowship, plant sciences department head Gary Bates cited his dedication and commitment to helping students succeed. “I cannot overstate the value Andy has provided me as I moved into the department head position. He is one of our most accomplished teachers, providing classes for every student level in our undergraduate program,” Bates said.
“This recognition reflects the invaluable guidance and support from my colleagues and mentors within the Herbert College of Agriculture from whom I have learned so much.” Pulte continued, “I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to furthering innovative teaching and learning experiences that make our college exceptional.”
Interim Dean of the Herbert College of Agriculture David White said, “We are appreciative of the many highly qualified faculty in the college and grateful to the Overton endowment to be able to recognize Dr. Pulte and Dr. Edwards as exceptional educators and pedagogical innovators.”
This is the first time the teaching fellowship has been awarded, and it will be annually conferred upon the most accomplished instructors who have displayed dedication to the education of undergraduate and/or graduate students within the Herbert College of Agriculture.
