Kent State University at Salem is proud to announce that Associate Professor Douglas Motry, Department of Chemistry, was one of only nine individuals nominated for Kent State University’s Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA). Although fellow faculty members and staff can nominate individuals for the award, it is mainly students who nominate their professors.

“Doug is very deserving of this nomination and we are very proud that he received it,” said Jeff Nolte, dean of both Kent State East Liverpool and Kent State Salem. “Doug is an excellent professor, not only because of his vast knowledge and research, but because he cares for each of his students and goes out of his way to help them succeed.”

The DTA, which is sponsored by the Kent State Alumni Association, is the university’s most prestigious honor in teaching for tenure-track faculty. The award is presented annually to three full-time faculty members who demonstrate extraordinary teaching in the classroom and a devotion to touching the lives of students. Qualified nominees include Kent State University tenure-track faculty who are currently employed by the University.

The one-on-one experience between teachers and students helps Dr. Motry develop a way to break through to them. “I believe that the more interactive I can make the lecture material, the more successful I will be in creating an engaging learning environment,” Motry says of teaching.

According to Motry, the most rewarding part of his job is returning students who thank him for his guidance in helping them reach their goals.

At the Kent State Columbiana County campuses, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in 14 different disciplines or an associate’s degree in 14 different areas. The Kent State Columbiana County campuses, which include Kent State at East Liverpool and Kent State at Salem, are home to more than 3,300 students. For more information please visit www.col.kent.edu or call 330-332-0361. Fall informational nights are Nov.18 and Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

Photo Caption: Dr. Doug Motry, is congratulated on his nomination for the DTA by fellow Kent State Salem faculty and staff. From left to right: Dr. David Larwin, Assistant Dean Melissa Denardo, Penny Harrold, Dr. Santokh Tandon, Kathy Johnson, Dr. Doug Motry, Pat Gurnish and Dr. David Dees.