AU Provost, Dr. Amiel Jarstfer, explains the honor of receiving this award is an outstanding accomplishment as the nominees are recognized by one's colleagues for effective teaching.
Dr. Randall-Griffiths was nominated by her colleague of more than 25 years, Dr. Daniel O'Rourke, who praised her work saying, "From the first time I observed Dr. Randall-Griffiths in the classroom, I knew that she was a passionate advocate for the art of Communication who most effectively shares her message with students. I have learned much from Dr. Randall-Griffiths as a colleague, co-author, and friend. Over the years, I have “stolen” numerous ideas from her lessons... (she) lives to teach. She teaches in the classroom, her office, online, in the community, the state, and, recently, she has added a national component to her educational work."
Elaborating on her passion for the classroom, O'Rourke states, "Dr. Randall-Griffiths actually listens to her students. Teaching is an interactive conversation for Dr. Randall-Griffiths. In her classes, students become co-authors in the lesson plan. No two classes are exactly alike because each collection of students create a new dynamic in the classroom."
"In recent years, Dr. Randall-Griffiths has significantly expanded the scope of her classroom," as O'Rourke explains her ability to adapt and develop programs for the future. "She has successfully created and grown the online teaching program for the Department of Communication. To her credit, Dr. Randall-Griffiths has not only developed ten courses for both the 7-week and 12-week corrections format, but she has taught the courses, recruited top scholars/teachers in the field to teach for Ashland Online, and trained those faculty in the successful methods of online instruction."
Dr. Randall-Griffiths also works tirelessly outside of the AU classrooom as a lay leader in her church, as one of driving forces in the two-decade success of Ashland Chautauqua which has been recognized at the local and state level for its contribution to civic life in Ohio, by blending her intellectual curiosity and performance studies background into programs being offered across the country celebrating the centennial of the Women's Right to Vote, as well as being recognized by the Ohio Communication Association with their "Innovative Teaching Award."
Dr. Randall-Griffiths will be recognized publicly for her award at the Academic Honors Convocation in the fall of 2020 when she will acknowledge her honor with a brief speech on the theme of engaged teaching and learning in higher education.
The Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award, first presented in 1997, was endowed by former Jeromesville residents the late Edward and Louaine Taylor as a way of supporting high quality teaching at Ashland University. The Taylor Teaching Award Committee, whose purpose is to select the award recipient, reviews submitted materials of faculty members who are nominated by students, faculty or department chairs.
All full-time faculty with a minimum of three years of teaching experience at AU are eligible for the award. Recipients of the award cannot repeat for three years and no faculty member may win the award more than twice. The recipients receive a medal to be worn with academic regalia and a stipend.
Congratulations to you, Darlessa, on this excellence in teaching award. Working with you in Ashland Chautauqua was a highlight of my Kentucky Chautauqua portrayal of Pee Wee Reese for Ashland. I know this award is well-deserved.
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