RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (September 19, 2007)--Students selected Dr. Hanna Norton, associate professor of journalism, as the Arkansas Tech University 2006-2007 professor of the year during voting on Friday, Sept. 14.
Norton, nominated from the School of Liberal and Fine Arts, was chosen from a field of six professors.
“It’s a fantastic honor, and one I hope I live up to,” said Norton about the award. “I’m surrounded by people I consider to be excellent colleagues and who do a great job in the classroom. I felt honored to even be considered because of the caliber of people who were nominated. Being a part a community of people who really care about their students is the most gratifying part.”
Norton is known for her unique teaching philosophy. She works to involve students in classroom discussions and activities, rather than relying completely on lectures.
“I really like dynamic classrooms,” she said. “The best scenario that you can have in a classroom is when the students and teacher are engaged in the material and are learning from one another. So much of great education is partnerships with students.”
Norton is happy with her decision to teach at Arkansas Tech.
“I took the job here because I saw the possibilities of what I could do in the community and what I could do on campus; that was very exciting to me. There were other positions elsewhere, but I was excited about going somewhere and feeling like I made a difference.”
Students are also pleased with Norton’s decision to move to Arkansas because of her commitment both inside and outside the classroom.
“Her passion for teaching is evident, and her energy in the classroom is contagious,” said Kelsey Boyd, president of Tech’s Public Relations Student Society of America. “I’ve come away from every class period with a sense of accomplishment that I learned a little more that day. Her dedication to her students also extends beyond the classroom. She is always willing to schedule one-on-one meetings to clarify difficult topics from class, encourage students or provide students with guidance in other areas.”
Norton’s future plans include public relations consulting, academic research, working in print journalism and publishing more photographs. However, her greatest goal is to continue improving in the classroom.
“The biggest thing for me is to keep challenging myself,” she said. “When I challenge myself, I feel like I can challenge my students, instead of delivering the same thing time after time. I want to challenge myself to provide the best product that I can.”
In 2001, Norton obtained her Ph.D. in mass communications from the University of Georgia and came to Tech as an assistant professor of journalism. She received tenure and was promoted to associate professor in spring 2007. She teaches public relations, multimedia publishing, mass communications, photography and film.
Norton also serves on the faculty senate, volunteers as a mentor for the Bridge to Excellence program and advises Tech’s Public Relations Student Society of America.
