Dr. Edythe E. Kirk awarded 2024 David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award

Dr. Edythe E. Kirk, associate professor at Lamar University, has been awarded the 2024 David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award. This prestigious honor, established through a generous donation from alumnus David J. Beck, is presented annually to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding commitment to teaching and innovative pedagogy. Recognized as one of the largest teaching awards of its kind nationwide, the Beck Award highlights Lamar University's dedication to fostering academic excellence.

Recipients of the David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award receive a one-time monetary award of $25,000 and retain the title of Beck Teaching Excellence Award recipient throughout their academic careers at Lamar University.

Dr. Kirk's extensive academic background has greatly influenced her teaching and research approach. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Oregon, where she specialized in neurophysiology and neural plasticity, with a minor in neuroendocrinology. Her dissertation, supervised by Dr. Barbara Gordon-Lickey, examined the role of visual experience and NMDA receptor subunits in visual plasticity. Additionally, Dr. Kirk completed a Master of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Clinical/Counseling Psychology at Lamar University, as well as a Certificate of Completion in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology. She also earned a Master of Public Administration from Lamar University in 2023, andholds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing and Psychology, both from Lamar University.

A prominent member of the Lamar University faculty, Dr. Kirk teaches a range of courses in behavioral neuroscience, psychopharmacology, advanced statistics, data analysis, and research design. Known for her innovative instructional strategies and dedication to student success, Dr. Kirk's teaching philosophy emphasizes collaboration and student empowerment.

"Students need not only a cutting-edge education, but also individuals who mentor them by being good role models and who advocate for them when intervention is needed. Students have diverse and individualized needs," Dr. Kirk wrote in her application. "Determining which approach to use is a skill I have spent my academic career trying to master. I believe that most students have the necessary ability to succeed in spite of the challenges they face, whether they be first-generation students (like myself) or students with numerous outside obligations. Working with students inside and outside the classroom has taught me that these needs differ from student to student. All students deserve support, even though the amount and type of support may differ. It is my obligation to provide them with instruction and mentorship that fits their needs and to help them achieve whenever possible."

Dr. Kirk's dedication resonates strongly with her colleagues. "What resonated with me were her priorities and core values for teaching," Lamar University President Jaime Taylor said, reflecting on Dr. Kirk's principle-driven philosophy. "Students are the most important individuals on campus, and if you've been in the classroom, you can see that's how she approaches teaching. She believes teaching is a collaborative contract between student and teacher, and that really resonated with me. Everyone has a role in contributing to this process. The goal is not to tell students what to think, but to teach them how to think."

Reflecting on the significance of the Beck Award, Dr. Kirk expressed her gratitude and humility. "Thank you for this opportunity to demonstrate my suitability for this award. I am grateful to the individual(s) who nominated me. I do not typically seek awards or recognition, so it is rewarding to find that I have had some impact," Kirk said.

As Lamar University celebrates Dr. Kirk's achievement, her dedication serves as an inspiration to both students and faculty, reinforcing the university's mission to empower students through transformational education and mentorship. Dr. Kirk's teaching will continue to influence generations of students, helping them not only succeed academically but also grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities.