Kate Bruce, psychology professor and director of the Honors Scholars Program at UNCW, was chosen as the 2008 North Carolina Professor of the Year.

“I felt humbled when I was nominated last spring,” Dr. Kate Bruce said. “I know the other two UNCW professors who have been recognized with the award in the past (Drs. Huber and Tallant) and how dedicated they are. I am glad that the CASE/Carnegie folks have been recognizing the importance that UNCW places on undergraduate education.”

Bruce traveled to Washington, D.C. where she was recognized at a luncheon honoring state and national winners of the award, which was sponsored by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and administered by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The award recognizes professors for their teaching, commitment and influence on undergraduate students.

Bruce joined the UNCW faculty in 1984. She has served as the founding director of the Center for Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowship, as well as the director of the Honors Scholars Program since 1999. In 2007, Bruce brought international attention to UNCW through her role as president of the National Collegiate Honors Council.

“When I came to UNCW, I enjoyed working with honors students on senior projects in psychology and had a chance to teach an honors 120 seminar class when the 4-year honors program was pretty young, and really enjoyed it,” Bruce said. “When the honors director position opened, I applied and got the job.”

She added, “I had been graduate coordinator and advisor for graduate students in psychology, and associate dean in the Graduate School for several years before becoming Honors Director. I liked the idea of working closely with undergrads again, and helping undergrad students have more opportunities at UNCW.”

Bruce has transformed UNCW and the community through her various leadership roles and programs. The number of students graduating with departmental honors in their major has doubled and the Honors Scholar program has grown from 75 students to 125 students a year.

Bruce also established the Undergraduate Research Symposia and the Albert Schweitzer Award which honors an individual from the Cape Fear area who exemplifies the ideals of Albert Schweitzer. Her work as founder of the Center for Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowship has helped to expand and improve undergraduate research at UNCW.

“I am really glad that we (the Honors Faculty Council and other faculty who really value undergrad research) set up CSURF,” Bruce said. “It has helped raise the profile of undergrad research at UNCW, and the Chancellor and Provosts have been very supportive.”

She added, “For example, with Student Research and Travel Awards, CSURF let us organize all the great undergrad research opportunities in one place, then expand on what could be offered. Engaging undergrads in research is something UNCW faculty does very well. It is great to be able to highlight and support this.”

“Dr. Bruce has achieved high leadership status in almost every academic arena she touches,” former Provost Paul Hosier wrote in his letter supporting Bruce’s nomination. “Her peers regard her creative talents, her willingness to share her gifts and her passion for experiential learning as extraordinary. She seems to have a natural ability to weave an educational experience to achieve maximum impact.”

He continued, “Bruce has many goals for the future, including expanding the honors program and bringing various speakers to campus.”

“We have long term and short term projects and goals,” Bruce said. “For example, we want to continue honors international plunges (short international travel with a class) each year. We are working on an International Honors Scholars Recognition with the Office of International Programs. We are planning to host the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium next fall. We are planning our annual spring reading group for faculty, staff and students to prepare for speakers on campus. We also hope that the Honors Program will develop into an Honors College. We are also working with the efforts to expand merit scholarships for students.”

Two other UNCW faculty members have also received this award in the past. In 2002, Richard Huber, professor of elementary, middle level and literacy education in the Watson School of Education received the award. Carole Tallant, professor of communication studies, was awarded the honor in 2004. Tracy Hargrove, professor of elementary, middle level and literacy education, was also nominated for the 2008 award.