Vargo Teaching Chairs
Feature Article
Vargo chair honours passionate teachers
A new professorship at the University of Alberta, the Vargo Teaching Chair, honours U of A professors who combine excellence and a passion for teaching with an established record of substantive research. The chair is named after Dr Jim Vargo, former professor in the U of A Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. A much-loved and respected scholar, he taught for 23 years at the U of A before retiring in 1998. Vargo died in January 2003.
Original: ExpressNews
; "Dr. M. Anne Naeth")
The Vargo Teaching Chairs program was established in memory of Dr Jim Vargo, a University of Alberta alumnus ('68 BA, '70 M Ed, '72 PhD) and a respected professor in the University's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. A much-loved and respected scholar, Vargo taught for 23 years at the University of Alberta before retiring in 1998. Dr Vargo passed away in January, 2003.
The award was created by Dr Doug Owram, former University of Alberta Provost and Vice-President (Academic). Owram wanted the University to have a high-status honour to recognize excellence in teaching the way Canada Research Chairs recognize excellence in research. The program is committed to supporting individuals who demonstrate innovative and creative teaching methods which enhance the learning of both undergraduate and graduate students. The Vargo Teaching Chair recognizes University of Alberta professors who combine excellence and a passion for teaching with an established research record. Any full-time member of the academic teaching staff at the University of Alberta may be appointed as a Vargo Chair. Selections will be made annually until six Chairs have been appointed. Thereafter, selections will be made as vacancies arise.
Vargo Teaching Chairs are sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic). The position includes a $12,000 annual stipend for salary or research and $15,000 to hire a graduate teaching assistant. Tenable at the University of Alberta, the award lasts for five years and may be renewed once. Tenure of the appointment may be interrupted for sabbatical leave.
Chairs are expected to develop creative endeavours in teaching and to contribute to other groups on campus dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in teaching. They are also encouraged to teach first- or second-year "flagship" courses in their discipline.
2007
David Kahane, Philosophy
2005
M. Anne Naeth, Renewable Resources
Olive Yonge, Nursing
2004
Randolph (Randy) Currah, Biological Sciences
2003
Tom Chacko, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Erhan Erkut, School of Business