Dr. Elizabeth Flaherty, associate professor of wildlife ecology and habitat management, has been named as one of two national recipients of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards for Food and Agricultural Sciences. The award, which is presented by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), celebrates university faculty for their ability as instructors, use of innovative teaching methods, service to students, professionalism and scholarship.
“Everyone in our department is absolutely thrilled about Dr. Flaherty receiving this well-deserved national recognition for excellence in teaching from the USDA,” said Dr. Bob Wagner, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources department head. “Her outstanding scholarship in teaching and learning provides a tremendous example that we can all aspire to achieve in the classroom. We are all honored to be able to celebrate with her today.”
In its awards summary of Dr. Flaherty, the APLU said this:
Dr. Liz Flaherty focuses on the development of students’ critical thinking and professional skills as well as mastery of course content as she trains future natural resource and agriculture professionals. In her courses, students engage in activities similar to those expected of natural resource professionals, like developing habitat management plans for Purdue-owned properties as a semester-long project in her Wildlife Habitat Management course, which also provides students with opportunities to evaluate career options and pathways.
The APLU is a research, policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. With a membership of 246 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations, APLU's agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement. Annually, member campuses enroll 5.0 million undergraduates and 1.3 million graduate students, award 1.3 million degrees, employ 1.3 million faculty and staff, and conduct $49.3 billion in university-based research.
