Smerick Wins W. Richard Stephens Outstanding Faculty Award
Published: April 13, 2021
Dr. Christina Smerick, Shapiro Chair of Jewish-Christian Studies and associate professor of philosophy, was presented the W. Richard Stephens Outstanding Faculty Award at Greenville College's 119th Commencement Service. Smerick was the third GC professor to receive the award, named in honor of President Emeritus W. Richard Stephens.
College Provost, Dr. Randy S. Bergen, made the presentation. Bergen noted that students nominated and voted for professors they deemed worthy of the honor. Former recipients of the award reviewed these nominations and then the College's Board of Trustees made the final selection. Smerick was presented with a framed certificate and a $1,000 check. The College's Board of Trustees funds the award.
In making the presentation, Bergen shared several comments from students regarding Smerick's teaching and mentoring skills. One student wrote, "Dr. Smerick's ability to explain ideas to both upper division and general education philosophy students is astounding. She loves getting to spend time with her students and teaching them what she has learned."
Another student added, "Given how challenging philosophy can be, Dr. Smerick did an amazing job of teaching it. She has a unique style of delivery that is both witty and intellectually stimulating."
Smerick, who received her B.A. in Philosophy from Trevecca Nazarene University and her M.A. and Ph.D. from DePaul University, has taught at Greenville College for six years. She recently assumed the very challenging task of directing the COR 401 Program, the College's capstone course for graduating seniors. She was granted tenure this spring and promoted to associate professor.
"I enjoy getting students to think about big ideas everyone should think about and then helping them to understand that these ideas are relevant to their day-to-day lives," Smerick said. "It is fun to see how students change over four years."
"Dr. Smerick was one of the first, if not the first, faculty member I was able to hire in my role as chief academic officer, so this is a special pleasure for me," said Provost Bergen. "It was clear from the time we interviewed Christina that she was going to be an unusual and outstanding faculty member for us."
Smerick will return in the fall to teach Major Issues in Philosophy and History of Political Thought. She will also continue as director of the COR 401 Program.
