Howard and Yale Host Joint Launch of the Bouchet Honor Society

Howard University, in conjunction with Yale University, held a ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 15, in Rankin Chapel to launch the Bouchet Honor Society, named for Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet, who, in 1876, became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from an American University – Yale University, as well as the sixth American of any race to receive a doctorate in physics. During the simulcast, officers, faculty and students from both universities gave remarks and made presentations, and at the conclusion of the program, two students from each school presented the society’s four pillars: character, leadership, scholarship and advocacy/service. The society’s mission reads in part: “to recognize outstanding scholarly achievement and promote diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate.” “The establishment of the Bouchet Honor Society by Yale and Howard is yet another example of how these two distinguished institutions have remained steadfast in their commitment to producing new generations of leaders for the U.S. and global communities,” said Orlando L. Taylor, Ph.D., vice provost for research, dean of the Graduate School, and a Bouchet Honor Society founder.

Taylor addresses attendees. Seated behind him are (l-r) Richard English, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer; Dennis Rogers, political science doctoral student; LaTanya Reese, Ph.D., English; and James Stith, vice president, American Institute of Physics. Not shown is Chontrese Doswell, Ph.D., assistent dean, Graduate School, who presided over the ceremony.

“Dr. Bouchet’s legacy will live on through the academic research and professional contributions of future generations of doctoral students from Howard, Yale, and other research universities who will be invited to establish Bouchet societies.”

Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Hosts Faculty Showcase

Howard University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CETLA) hosted the first Faculty Showcase on Aug. 22. Faculty members from across the campus demonstrated their innovative classroom teaching techniques: everything from automated assessment tools to three-dimensional motion capture technology. “I was so glad I came,” exclaimed Velma LaPoint, Ph.D., associate professor, School of Education. “I learned a great deal -- what is possible, what are potential challenges. This information is very useful.”

The 2005 Teaching with Technology Award was presented to Kay Payne, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Communications, who developed innovative software that dramatically increased the pass rate of Howard students on a national standardized test. As the awardee, she received a check for $1000.

In addition to individual achievements, CETLA recognized departmental accomplishments. The College of Pharmacy, Nursing & Allied Health Sciences received the Unit Participation Award for having the highest percentage of faculty participation in CETLA’s activities. “I personally had the chance to participate here at CETLA. It was very helpful, and we [the college] will continue to participate,” said Dr. Beatrice Adderley-Kelly, interim dean.

Established in 2004, CETLA strives to ensure that students gain an educational experience of exceptional quality through faculty training, instructional technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, classroom assessment and educational research. As such, CETLA provides national leadership to strengthen college teaching, especially the teaching of African-American students.

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References:

• www.cetla.howard.edu