Dr. Terry Carter

Dr. Carter is a faculty member in the Department of Teaching and Learning where she serves as director of the adult learning program. She joined the faculty in January 2005 as we were undergoing significant changes in the adult learning program. She hit the ground running and immediately stepped in to re-assure students of our strategic direction for this program and that she was there to meet the needs of the students in the program. The students would tell you that she has lived up to every promise she has made. Not only did Dr. Carter work with students within the existing curricular structure, she immediately set out to develop and implement a state-of-the art Master's program in adult learning. Additionally, Dr. Carter has established a new program in adult learning for medical educators and has enrolled the first cohort of physicians who are pursuing a degree to assist them in disseminating medical information in effective forms for the adult learner whether that is a resident preparing for a career of practice or a patient in need of an understandable explanation of care. Students describe Dr. Carter as engaging in the classroom with rigorous standards yet caring support to ensure student success. From video streaming to e-portfolios, Dr. Carter has developed a range of approaches to meet students’ needs and to challenge students thinking. One student remarked, "I am a better student, thinker, and teacher for having known Dr. Carter… She is an example of all that is right with education."

Dr. Colleen A. Thoma

Dr. Thoma is a recognized scholar not only in the confines of the School of Education, but also more broadly in her professional field of special education and disability policy. Department chair, Dr. John Kregel, noted that Dr. Thoma's scholarly activity is especially meaningful in that her publications are all a part of a skillfully developed research agenda designed to affect public policy. In fact, she was selected as one of five finalists nationally for the 2006 Joseph P. Kennedy Public Policy Fellowship. Dr. Thoma received her Ph.D. in 1997 from Indiana University with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction/Special Education. Her dissertation on Self Determination in transition planning has formed the basis of much of her professional work. She has been co-author of three books, has published nine book chapters and 17 peer reviewed publications. In addition she has presented more than 50 presentations at national and international professional organizations. She has also submitted numerous grant proposals in the area of self-determination and transition from school to careers and for students with disabilities who are in college or planning to go to college. She is a strong advocate for student-led IEP meetings where students with disabilities advocate for themselves in meetings regarding their academic future. She is well known in the field and is serving as Vice President and future President of the Division on Career Development and Transition, a division of the Council for Exceptional Children. In 2007, Dr. Thoma became Director of Doctoral Studies at the School of Education following the retirement of Dr. John Rossi.

Dr. Richard James Rezba

This is only the third time the award has been presented. It is named after a retired Richmond Times-Dispatch science and medicine writer. Dr. Rezba is currently Director of the Center for Life Sciences Education and is nationally known for creating innovative and entertaining ways to teach science. His work influences teachers and students alike. Dr. Rezba had the leadership role in developing "Secrets of Sequence," his most recent video and lesson program. Teachers around the world have downloaded more than 50,000 copies of the videos and accompanying lessons, which are available free at
http://www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/secretsofthesequence The program is about how the genomic revolution affects all aspects of life. Two of Dr. Rezba’s books — "Students and Research" and "Learning and Assessing Science Process Skills" — are in their 4th and 5th editions respectively. During his 40-year career Dr. Rezba has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money for science teacher education. During his 40-year career Dr. Rezba has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money for science teacher education. He and other recipients of this year’s Scientists and Industrialist Awards were introduced to the General Assembly and received their awards at a banquet at the Science Museum of Virginia. The Richard J. Rezba Scholarship in Science Education was established upon his retirement from the School of Education in 2003.

Dr. Loraine M. Stewart

This award honors Dr. Charles P. Ruch, a former Provost and Dean of the School of Education. Dr. Ruch valued the traditional university faculty roles in the triad mission of teaching, scholarship and service. Dr. Lorraine M. Stewart, Ed.D., is the award’s 17th recipient. She is an Associate Professor of Elementary Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Since coming to VCU in 2005, Dr. Stewart has served the university with distinction as a teacher, scholar, and advisor. In nominating her for this honor, one of her students wrote, "Dr. Stewart is the epitome of a great teacher. She engages students and seeks creative ways to help her students connect with the subject matter. In class, we studied many effective teaching strategies and she consistently modeled everyone. She really makes learning exciting." Another student wrote, "Dr. Stewart is an excellent role model for any teaching candidate to observe. She respects her students and values their contributions in class. Her enthusiasm for teaching and true concern for her students are the perfect model for future teachers to follow." Dr. Stewart is known as an exceptional teacher whose humanistic approach, positive attitude, and energetic spirit are an inspiration to her students.