Dr. John Haddock, a professor of mathematical sciences, and Charlene Spiceland, an instructor in accountancy, were presented the 2011 Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award at the University of Memphis during Faculty Convocation last month. Each received $7,500 during the ceremony in the Michael D. Rose Theatre.

Charlene Spiceland, an instructor in accountancy, and Dr. John Haddock, a professor of mathematical sciences, received the 2011 Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award at the University of Memphis. (Photo by Rhonda Cosentino)

Haddock began working at the University in 1970. Most recently he has taught Calculus I and II and Foundations of Mathematics. 

“I work closely with engineering students, and math has traditionally caused the most trouble for them,” said Kathy Atkinson, adviser in the Herff College of Engineering. “Dr. Haddock quickly establishes a rapport with students, who know he is available to help them outside of class. While he is not the only teacher who works with students outside of class, his clear instruction and concern for his students have made him in high demand.”

Said one Foundations of Math student, “Professor Haddock made me want to come to class. He was witty and fun and made math less of a nightmare for me. I can honestly say I looked forward to tests.”

Others praise him as patient and kind. “He’s very quick with feedback on how to figure out a problem,” said a student in Calculus I. “He doesn’t just give you an answer, but tells you how to get to that point. His limitless patience, tremendous mathematical knowledge and genuine interest in seeing his students do well all contribute to a learning experience that can only be described as superlative.”

Haddock earned his doctorate from Southern Illinois University.

Spiceland began teaching at the U of M in 2008 after serving as CFO of EFS Transportation.

“Charlene has a natural gift for teaching based on her innate compassion for her students, her willingness to meet students’ needs and her focus on excellence in classroom delivery,” said Dr. Carolyn Callahan, chair of accountancy. “With master’s degrees in both education and accounting, coupled with being a former CFO of a major firm, she has the skill set to deliver demanding intellectual content in a way that students love.”

Students rave about her creativity and teaching innovations that make the learning process easier.

“Accounting is an analytical discipline that can prove daunting,” said Callahan. “However, I have walked by Charlene’s classrooms many times and the students are having fun learning very difficult material in both accounting and information systems courses.”

Students feel supported and encouraged. Said one, “Professor Spiceland is a fantastic instructor. She’s innovative, enthusiastic and does everything to ensure that the whole class understands the material.”

In addition to her teaching schedule, this semester Spiceland created a teaching seminar for accounting doctoral students to help them develop strong teaching and classroom management skills.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and her master’s degrees from the U of M.

The Briggs Award, established in 1996, is named for the founder of Welcome Wagon International. Nominees are judged on the basis of teaching skills, classroom performance, their role in the overall development of undergraduates and the results of student rating surveys.