Third win for Failey 4/11/2003
Psychology Instructor Rhonda Failey was elected Professor of the Year for 2002-03 by the student body of Louisiana State University in Shreveport. The announcement was made by Dr. Gloria Raines, vice chancellor of student affairs and SGA sponsor, on April 10 at a presentation at the University Center.

It is the third time in as many years that Failey has been selected for the top slot.

Failey was selected from a field of 235 instructors who teach classes at LSUS. The University’s more than 4,000 students were eligible to vote.

“The SGA award is designed to recognize faculty members who are outstanding teachers and advisors. Too often, excellent teaching does not receive sufficient recognition on University campuses because it is easier to measure faculty performance by counting publications or grants,” said Jeff Strozier, SGA president. “Students think good teaching is most important, and this is their effort to thank their teachers.”

Dr. Gloria Raines, vice chancellor of student affairs and SGA sponsor, made the announcement that Failey won again for the 2002-03 academic year.

A surprised Failey took the microphone and, after promising “not to cry,” said, “I love what I do - it is because of all of you that I won this award.”

Following the formal presentation, at which she was given an engraved clock, Failey expressed her surprise at once again receiving the award. “I did not expect to win the award this year; I felt the students would think it was time to honor someone else.

“There are so many good teachers here,” she continued. “I wish there was some way they all could get some kind of award from their students.”

Lakeitha Bryant, who will graduate next month with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, said there’s a reason Failey is so popular with the students.

“She has a knack for relating to the student,” Bryant said. “When she walks in the classroom, she always is pleasant and her tone is relaxing. You’re not intimidated by the subject or the workload because she makes you believe you can do it. And, along with all that, she makes herself available to students.”

Bryant added that in the psychology department, “Mr. (Jim) Evans is the same way. You don’t feel intimidated and so you learn a lot.”

Evans also was one of the 24 finalists for the award, according to Strozier.