Paul Bracher, Ph.D., Receives University's Highest Honor for Excellence in Teaching
After eight years, Saint Louis University has reinstated the Nancy McNeir Ring Award for excellence in teaching.
Paul Bracher, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, has been selected by the leadership of Alpha Sigma Nu to be the first recipient of the award since 2008, when the University stopped bestowing the honor.
Originally established in 1966, the award was named Nancy McNeir Ring, the University’s first dean of women, who was known for her devotion to the welfare of students. Until 2008, it was presented annually by SLU’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the international Jesuit honor society, to a member of the faculty who had displayed a special dedication to students.
University Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., said the plaque with the previous recipients’ names was discovered, and when she learned that the award had been given by students to a professor they deemed outstanding, she was excited to bring back the tradition.
“I decided to re-establish the tradition because it is a great way to honor our best teaching,” Brickhouse said. “Teaching is a very important part of what we do. The fact that this award is given by students and honors teaching makes it especially noteworthy.”
Never have I met someone so dedicated, so intelligent, so talented, so enthusiastic, so invested and so in love with his career."
Alpha Sigma Nu student who nominated Bracher
Going forward, all SLU students will be invited to nominate faculty from across the University to receive the award. The members of Alpha Sigma Nu then vote to select a winner.
According to Brickhouse, this award is the only student-initiated and sponsored teaching award at SLU that encompasses all colleges and schools of the University. Recipients are recognized for demonstrating a special dedication to students both inside and outside the classroom.
During the selection process this year, students commented on Bracher’s clear love of teaching.
One student noted: "What sets Dr. Bracher apart from other professors is his enthusiasm, for both his subject material and for teaching. It is obvious that he loves organic chemistry; he runs a popular blog on current events concerning chemistry and chemical research, Chembark. In September 2014, Dr. Bracher was named one of the Top 20 Chemists to Follow on Twitter by Chemical & Engineering News. This same enthusiasm carries into the classroom. Dr. Bracher wants to pass his knowledge on and invests an incredible amount of energy into helping his students succeed. ... It is apparent that Dr. Bracher cares about his students, not only as another organic chemistry class, but also as individuals. … He is intelligent, yet down to earth – a rare, but welcomed combination."
And another student wrote: "Organic Chemistry 1 brought me close to punching a wall in frustration on several occasions, but Paul is the reason why I care so much about doing well in organic chemistry. For the amount of work we as students put into a course, I know he puts in twice the amount of effort preparing to teach us. Never have I met someone so dedicated, so intelligent, so talented, so enthusiastic, so invested and so in love with his career. I look to him not only for answers about synthesis and various reactions; I look to him as a role model. … Paul embodies the Jesuit mission. He treats his students as equals and makes it obvious that he wants to see us succeed. He puts his students first and always makes time to help us; he truly is a ‘man for others.’ Paul’s teachings have extended past the textbook; he has demonstrated the value of hard work and good leadership."
Bracher said he draws upon his own experiences to inform his lessons.
“As a teacher, I try to remember what it was like to be a student in college,” he said. “Regardless of the subject, my favorite professors were those who had a passionate depth of knowledge and expected excellence from their students but were also entertaining and not mean. I try to bring that to my classes as best I can.”
As this year’s recipient, Bracher will have the opportunity to reach students beyond his own classroom when he delivers the University’s midyear commencement address. The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at Chaifetz Arena.
The honor of giving the commencement speech and a cash prize is part of the award, Brickhouse said. And of course, Bracher’s name will be added to the plaque that carries the names of all previous recipients.
“I am ineffably honored to have been chosen for the McNeir Ring award, especially since I work alongside many talented instructors at SLU, where teaching is deeply valued,” he said. “Receiving a teaching award selected by students is particularly meaningful, because it suggests that you’ve had a really positive impact on at least one student – hopefully, more. That is why my colleagues and I teach: to improve the world by educating, motivating and inspiring younger generations so society can advance.”