Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University honored two educators with the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award Thursday (April 25) during the university's annual Faculty Recognition Banquet.

Mandy Reid, associate professor of English and women's studies, and James Smallwood, professor in the applied engineering and technology management department, were this year's recipients of the Mills Award. Named for a 19th century educator who helped to shape Indiana's public education system and served as the state's second superintendent of public instruction, the award recognizes Indiana State's most distinguished teachers.

Reid joined the English department in the College of Arts and Sciences in 2005. She regularly teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in American literature and culture, women's literature, composition and women's studies.

"Receiving the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award is an absolute honor," Reid said. "I am grateful to my students for making teaching such a rewarding experience and to my department chair, Rob Perrin, for all of his support."

Smallwood joined the College of Technology faculty in 2002. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in technology management and manufacturing and coordinates the bachelor's degree in technology management program. In addition, he works with the workplace specialist program with faculty from Ball State and IUPUI with funding? by the Indiana Department of Education. He is a certified manufacturing technologist with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

"It is truly an honor to receive the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award and I am proud to represent the College of Technology," Smallwood said. "There are so many deserving faculty members at ISU and I feel blessed to be one of the recipients of this award."

Smallwood said the award is especially meaningful because it is strongly influenced by student input.

"Most teachers believe one of the greatest rewards in the teaching profession is the relationships that are formed with students and colleagues," he said. "It is very rewarding to receive an email, a card or a letter from a current or former student expressing appreciation for my effort during their educational experience. To think I may have had some influence and helped someone gain a better appreciation for my discipline and help them to become a better citizen is a remarkable feeling. I am extremely grateful to all the students, my colleagues and ISU for making this award possible."

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/Faculty-Awards-2013/i-WG5td9Q/0/L/03_26_13_reid_mandy-2949-L.jpg - Mandy Reid

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/Faculty-Awards-2013/i-4FqS9j9/0/L/03_18_13_smallwood_jim-1606-L.jpg - James SmallwoodMedia contact: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu