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Distinguished Professor Award to Dr. Sherry Darrell

Colleagues chose Dr. Sherry Darrell to receive the 2008 Integra Bank Distinguished Professor award. The announcement was made at the College of Liberal Arts Honors program on April 12. Darrell, professor of English and director of Humanities, will receive the award during the 2008 Commencement ceremony in May. The award recognizes significant achievement in teaching, leadership, and service.

Among faculty, it is common knowledge that Darrell thinks going to class is far and away the best part of her job. According to a colleague, her daily goal is “to engage minds and help them become excited about great writing and great literature.”

Darrell

She has a love of the English language and literature, especially Shakespeare and the Greek tragedies. A fellow faculty member said, “Dr. Darrell has a gift for enabling her students to see connections between their own lives and the human condition displayed by central characters in great works.”

Darrell, who has taught at USI for over 30 years, has demonstrated a lasting impact on alumni. One former student said the rigors of her expectations can push students to “places they did not believe themselves capable of going.” In support of her nomination for this award, another alumnus wrote, “Dr. Darrell believed in me, taught me, encouraged me, opened doors for me, and she did all of that because of who she is: a master teacher, a friend, a colleague, and a lover of learning.”

She has edited books, journals, and other publications, is the author of a number of published papers, and has presented papers at regional and national conferences. She is the founding sponsor of the Indiana Iota chapter of Alpha Chi national academic honor society.

Darrell has been director of Humanities for four years and has influenced curriculum, faculty development, planning, and assessment.

Her community service revolves around church and cultural nonprofit organizations such as the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus, Ohio River Writers’ Conference, and YWCA discussions in literature. As an adult Sunday school teacher at Trinity United Methodist Church, she presents readings in literature, biblical scholarship, and world religions. She has served as a committee member and writer for the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, the Health Ministries Committee, and the administrative board.

She earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree and the Master of Arts degree at George Peabody College for Teachers. Her undergraduate degree is from McMurry College.

As Distinguished Professor, Darrell will receive a grant from Integra Bank, select a student to receive a scholarship in her name next year, deliver the Distinguished Professor lecture during the next academic year, and deliver the address at the fall Commencement in December 2008.

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