The Provost’s 2023 Outstanding Teaching Awards: Lynda Sharrett-Field
Each Thursday, UKNow is highlighting one of the winners of the University of Kentucky’s 2022-23 Outstanding Teaching Awards, given by the Office for Faculty Advancement with the Office of the Provost.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 15, 2023) – Lynda Sharrett-Field, Ph.D., associate professor in the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychology, is one of 10 winners to receive the University of Kentucky’s 2022-23 Outstanding Teaching Awards.
These awards identify and recognize individuals who demonstrate special dedication to student achievement and who are successful in their teaching. Recipients were selected via nomination and reviewed by a selection committee based in the UK Provost’s Office for Faculty Advancement and the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.
“I’m extremely honored to receive this award. I feel it recognizes not only my efforts but the efforts of those who supported me on my journey to where I am today,” Sharrett-Field said. “As an instructor, I try to pay forward the kindness I received by offering support, perspective and guidance to my students.”
Sharrett-Field returned to college in her mid-30s as a single mother and first-generation college student with the aspiration of completing her bachelor’s degree, earning her Ph.D., and eventually becoming a tenured professor, which she achieved shortly after turning 50 years old. She teaches classes in psychology, neuroscience and currently serves as the director of Undergraduate Studies for the neuroscience major. Sharrett-Field has around 400 students every academic year and teaches several critical classes to undergraduate students.
“I love my area of teaching because it allows me the opportunity to discuss a wide variety of topics with students,” Sharrett-Field said. “And a lot of my teachings allow for both academic and personal growth in the students. It’s my hope that this type of personal exploration allows them to become better educated citizens and, perhaps more importantly, better stewards of their future.”
Sharrett-Field truly believes in the outstanding power of mentorship. This is what drives the greatness in her teachings every single day.
“I wouldn’t have achieved my goals without the help of faculty mentors, family and friends,” Sharrett-Field said. “So, in paying it forward, I also share my story with my students so they can see that each of us walk our own path and that none of our goals are out of reach.”
This year’s Outstanding Teaching Awards were given to seven faculty and three graduate teaching assistants. Each winner received an award certificate, a commemorative engraved gift and a cash award in recognition of their teaching excellence.
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