Professors Cynthia Frisby, Lynda Kraxberger, Don Ranly Share Teaching Expertise in New Book
‘The Pursuit of Teaching Excellence: Lessons from the University of Missouri Kemper Teaching Fellows’ Is Published on the 25th Anniversary of the Award
Columbia, Mo. (Dec. 22, 2015) — Missouri School of Journalism professors Cynthia Frisby and Lynda Kraxberger and Professor Emeritus Don Ranly are among the 44 Kemper Fellows who share their teaching expertise in a new book.
“The Pursuit of Teaching Excellence: Lessons from the University of Missouri Kemper Teaching Fellows,” includes stories, ideas and teaching methods of those recognized with the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence since the award was first given in 1991. Kemper, a 1926 graduate of the University, was a well-known civic leader in Kansas City, Mo., until his death in 1989. His 52-year banking career included top positions at banks in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.
The Kemper Fellowship recognizes distinguished accomplishments of faculty as educators and has enhanced the visibility of teaching on the MU campus. Five winners are selected each year, and each receives a $10,000 award. The Kemper Fellowship is considered MU’s highest teaching honor.
Frisby contributed to the section titled “Connecting Students with the World: Engaging Options in Educational Technology.” Her 2002 Kemper Fellowship is just one of several teaching awards she has received. Frisby is an associate professor and teaches courses in strategic communication.
Ranly’s chapter is in the “Developing a Teaching Philosophy: Inspirations From Eminent Faculty” section. He was named a Kemper Fellow in 2003, and received numerous awards, honors and other recognitions throughout his career for his teaching.
Kraxberger’s chapter is included in the “Using Small Group Instruction to Enhance Learning: Small Groups, Big Benefits” section. She was recognized with the Kemper Fellowship in 2007. Kraxberger serves as associate dean for undergraduate studies and administration at the School and is chair of the convergence journalism faculty.
The book recognizes a valuable resource that the Kemper Fellowships have created – a community of teaching scholars, according to Jim Spain, MU vice provost for undergraduate studies, a 2001 Kemper Fellow and co-editor of the book.
“What makes this book unique is the interdisciplinary teams that developed each chapter,” Spain said. “The intent for this book is to serve as a tool box for faculty seeking ideas to use in their teaching with the goal of enhancing student learning.”
All proceeds from the sale of the book will be placed in an endowment fund that will be used to “enhance and advance excellent teaching” at MU. The book is now available from the Mizzou Store.
Updated: September 14, 2020