Distinguished University Lecturers Named

April 16, 2021 | News, UToday, Arts and Letters, Business and Innovation, Natural Sciences and Mathematics
By Meghan Cunningham



Three faculty members have been recognized with the distinction of Distinguished University Lecturer for their commitment to advancing student learning and supporting student success.

The UToledo Board of Trustees approved the honor for the educators at its April 14 meeting.

The 2020-2021 Distinguished University Lecturers are:

•  Dr. Todd Crail, associate lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics;
•  Suzanne Smith, senior lecturer in the Department of English Language and Literature in the College of Arts and Letters; and
•  Nancy Snow, senior lecturer in the Department of Accounting in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation.

“The Distinguished University Lecturer honor is reserved for educators with the strongest commitment to our mission of providing students a world-class education, and the teachers recognized this year have certainly demonstrated their passion for student learning,” said Dr. Karen Bjorkman, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Todd Crail outdoor portrait

Crail

Crail joined UToledo in 2012 and has established a record as an outstanding and dedicated educator who uses innovative and experiential teaching strategies to engage students, such as in the greenhouse, rain and native gardens at UToledo, and in community gardens around the city, Toledo Metroparks and nature preserves in the region.

He has published numerous peer-reviewed scholarly articles and presented work at local, state and national venues. Crail has previously been recognized with the Edith Rathbun Service Award and UToledo OutstandingTeaching Award.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has helped facilitate the impact we’ve had in the Toledo community over the last nine years,” Crail said. “That includes the many undergraduate and graduate students, and my fellow faculty members and administrators. I couldn’t have accomplished this milestone without your time and assistance.”

Smith has been a member of the UToledo faculty since 1989. The UToledo alumnae has a strong record of teaching and student-centeredness. A skilled writing tutor, she has served as a faculty writing consultant in the Writing Center and as interim director for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. Smith currently serves on the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

Suzanne Smith portrait

Smith

She regularly attends professional development opportunities to enhance her teaching and has presented at national and international conferences in her field of writing studies, including the prestigious International Writing Centers Association conference.

“I am very honored to be named as a Distinguished University Lecturer and I will thank, first of all, my students over many years who have taught me how to help them succeed as learners. It is primarily through my interaction with UToledo students that I have developed whatever knowledge, skills and compassion I bring to my teaching,” Smith said.

“I have also benefited enormously both professionally and personally from working with wonderful and talented colleagues in the English Department and in the College of Arts and Letters. The collegiality and counsel of these mentors and friends have been an invaluable resource in shaping and developing my professional practices. Teaching and serving at The University of Toledo is an enriching experience that I have been fortunate to be part of. I thank the University for recognizing the work of many deserving lecturers across campus with these DUL awards.”

Nancy Snow portrait

Snow

Snow joined the UToledo faculty in 1997. Also a UToledo alumnae, she is an experienced educator employing active learning strategies in the classroom for reinforcement and retention of learning objectives. She is dedicated to the continuous improvement of her teaching and received the College of Business and Innovation’s Outstanding Non-Tenure Track Teaching Award.

She also was named a UToledo Diversity Ambassador and a subject matter expert for developing educational materials for McGraw-Hill Education.

“I am thrilled and honored to be named a Distinguished University Lecturer,” Snow said. “I feel very fortunate to have a job where I love what I do. I have the opportunity to help students attain their goals. Not only their immediate goal to pass my class but impacting their studies and careers long after being in my class. Over the last 24 years, I have always tried to do my best for my students because that is what I am here to do.”

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