Steven Davis, Professor of Chemistry

The College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi recognized a Department of Chemistry faculty member Friday (May 13) for his excellence in teaching.  Steven Davis, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, was given the Cora Lee Graham Award for Outstanding Teaching of Freshmen. Dr. Davis was recognized at the university’s spring faculty meeting and was also honored this past Saturday at the university’s 164th Commencement. He received a plaque and $1,000, and his name will be added to the award plaque in the dean’s office.   Davis said he is pleased and honored that his students and the college have chosen to recognize his commitment to teaching.  “It is a great honor to be included in the list of awardees,” said Davis, who received his doctorate from the University of Virginia and has been on the UM faculty for 28 years. “I really enjoy working with freshman students as they adjust to college and begin their academic training here.  “Ultimately, I hope my students view my class as gaining skills to be used throughout their careers, not just as a grade to move onto the next class in their majors.”  Established 30 years ago by Cora Lee Graham of Union City, Tennessee, the Graham award aims to help retain better professors who teach freshman classes in the College of Liberal Arts. Criteria for this annual award also include excellence of class instruction, intellectual stimulation of students, and concern for students’ welfare.  Greg Tschumper, chair and professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said Davis is one of the most enthusiastic and dedicated teachers he’s ever worked with. “He has become one of the department’s most effective instructors for our first-year general chemistry sequence, aka Freshman Chemistry,” Tschumper said.  Also, click here to see a press release from the The College of Liberal Arts.