SU's Spickler Earns Prestigious John Smith Teaching Award

SALISBURY, MD---For years, teaching has been a passion for Dr. Donald Spickler of Salisbury University’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department.

Now, the Maryland/Virginia/District of Columbia section of the Mathematical Association of America has named him one of the region’s best, honoring him with its prestigious 2010 John Smith Teaching Award.

“Don’s success in teaching is clear from the number of students seeking him out for independent studies and undergraduate research projects,” said Dr. Mike Bardzell, SU department chair. “He regularly designs exciting new courses and is a master at writing and using mathematical software in the classroom. Salisbury University, and our department especially, is fortunate to have such a high-caliber teacher on our staff.”

Spickler has been at SU since 2001, mentoring many students in the past nine years. They often have gone on to graduate school, and several are currently in doctoral programs. While winning the Smith Award is “certainly an honor,” playing a part in students’ success is even more rewarding, he said.

“Teaching is the perfect job for me,” said Spickler. “It’s the best job in the world. I couldn’t imagine doing anything better.”

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.