Media Release | The Ohio State University at Lima

Dr. Joseph E. Brandesky is the latest Ohio State Lima winner of one of the University’s most prestigious faculty awards, the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. This is the seventh award overall and the fifth consecutive year that Ohio State Lima faculty members have won the teaching award.

Brandesky is an associate professor of Theatre at the University. He has been at Ohio State since 1988. He is one of the most treasured and popular professors on campus, with the students, faculty and staff and in the greater community.

The Distinguished Teaching Award is just the icing on the cake of achievements for Dr. Brandesky this year. The Ohio State University Board of Trustees has accepted his nomination to the position of full professor. When the promotion becomes effective at the start of the 2003-2004 academic year, he will be the seventh full professor at Ohio State Lima. Dr. Brandesky has also won the Herbert D. Greggs Award for his article “Spectacular St. Petersburg: An Exhibit” from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. The Greggs Award is given annually to three authors for writing in Theatre Design and Technology each year.

Dr. Brandesky will also lead his third study tour for the University when he leads a group to the Prague Quadrennial in June.

“Dr. Brandesky personifies the teaching excellence that Ohio State Lima is known for,” said Dr. Violet I. Meek, dean and director of Ohio State Lima. “He is recognized internationally for his many contributions to the theater world and, more importantly, he is known here for his uncompromising dedication to and stalwart support of his students and their efforts. He is the gentle, honorable and distinguished embodiment of the best in undergraduate teaching and learning.”

The Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching was established jointly by the Alumni Association and the Development Fund in 1960. It recognizes faculty who have done a superior job of teaching. Up to ten can be selected from throughout the University system each year. Former winners from Ohio State Lima include Dr. Javad Abdalkhani, associate professor of mathematics; Dr. William V. Ackerman, associate professor of geography; Dr. David S. Adams, associate professor emeritus of sociology; Dr. Allison Gilmore, associate professor of history; Dr. J. Eric Juterbock, associate professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology; and Dr. Mohamed Yousif, associate professor of mathematics.

Recipients are nominated by students and colleagues. They are chosen by a committee of students, faculty and alumni. The committee considers questionnaires sent to former students in the nominee’s classes as well as letters of nomination.

Brandesky will also be inducted into the Academy of Teaching, which provides leadership and encouragement of quality teaching. In addition, he will receive a cash award, an increase in base salary, and a plaque.