Sources: Larry Erpelding, 785-532-6151, lhe@k-state.edu
Janice Swanson, 785-532-1244, jswanson@k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/jswansonbio.html
News release prepared by: Amber Haag, 785-532-6415

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

K-STATE PROFESSOR HONORED BY USDA FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

MANHATTAN -- Janice Swanson's challenging and innovative approach to teaching and learning is among the reasons the Kansas State University professor and interim head of the department of animal sciences and industry was named to receive the 2004 U.S. Department of Agriculture's Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences Award-North Central Region.

Swanson is among eight regional winners of the award, which includes a $2,000 stipend to be used to improve teaching at the recipient's university or college. The award was presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges in San Diego, Calif., Nov. 13-16, 2004.

"Dr. Swanson is the model teacher, adviser, scholar and university citizen," said Larry Erpelding, associate dean of academics for the College of Agriculture. "She is a strong advocate and leader in areas dealing with diversity, program and course assessment tied to student learning outcomes, international agriculture, student clubs, active learning and other engaging teaching and learning techniques."

With this honor, Swanson becomes the eighth K-State recipient of the award. Only the University of Illinois has had as many recipients.

"To me, this is one of the most prestigious awards to win in agriculture. In terms of my teaching, it was a crowning achievement," Swanson said. "Kansas State has had eight award winners since the inception of this award. I have been blessed to work at a university that awards teaching excellence to a degree that we have this many award winners."

Swanson facilitates learning in her classroom through problem-solving, writing projects, debate and case studies. She also holds a mock congressional hearing project that joins students from K-State and the University of Nebraska.

From her area of expertise, Swanson developed a course on contemporary issues in animal science. The course focuses on the role of personal and social ethics and values in the development of controversy, the development of scientific expertise and how it is used within the construct of controversy and the political dimensions of resolving social issues.

"Dr. Swanson is a master at integrating all of these essential and other life skills into a wide array of issues confronting the animal industry and agriculture," Erpelding said.

Swanson's work has been published in a variety of scientific journals, proceedings and book chapters. She has earned awards for outstanding teaching at the college, university and national levels, including the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture's Teaching Award of Merit, the Commerce Bank Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the K-State College of Agriculture Faculty of the Semester.

Swanson joined K-State in 1992 as assistant professor of animal sciences. She was promoted to associate professor in 1996 and full professor in 2002. Swanson also serves as director of the International Meat and Livestock Program at K-State. This program offers education and training opportunities for international scholars, visitors, students and industry.

Swanson earned her doctorate in animal science in 1988 from the University of Maryland-College Park. She received her master's degree in 1980 and bachelor's degree, with honors, in 1977, both in animal science from the University of Connecticut-Storrs.

The Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences Awards Program was authorized by Congress in the 1977 farm bill and amended in 1990. In its 13th year, the program generates nominations from a large spectrum of departments in agriculture, natural resources, veterinary science and human sciences. In addition to the regional awards, a selection committee of nationally recognized teachers and scholars chooses two national recipients.

K-State's previous recipients include Melvin Hunt, professor of animal sciences and industry, regional recipient, 2000; Ted Cable, professor of horticulture, forestry and recreation resources, regional recipient, 1999; Linda Martin, former associate professor of animal sciences and industry, national recipient, 1998; Andrew Barkley, professor of agricultural economics, national recipient, 1997; Bryan Schurle, professor of agricultural economics, regional recipient, 1996; Michael Dikeman, professor of animal sciences and industry, regional recipient, 1995; and Steven Thien, professor of agronomy, national recipient, 1994.

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