Boatwright earns BGSU Master Teacher Award

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Helping students be successful—both in and out of the classroom—is a hallmark of Dr. Earl Boatwright, an instructor of marketing at Bowling Green State University. Part of his method involves continually relating his classroom teaching to the outside world and encouraging students to apply relevant concepts. Along with this is the extraordinary generosity of time and care he shows them.

Students rewarded his commitment by naming him the 2008 Master Teacher. The highly prestigious award was presented Oct. 28 at the Faculty Awards Dinner by BGSU’s Student Alumni Connection and the Alumni Association. Along with it came $1,000 and a plaque.

According to Ashley Timmons, a senior from Centerville who is majoring in business administration and specializing in marketing and supply chain management, “I was instantly impressed with Dr. Boatwright because instead of jumping into the course material, he talked about making the most of our college experience. He spoke about all the opportunities that BGSU has to offer and made himself available whenever and however he was needed.”

Timmons was chair of BGSU’s chapter of the American Marketing Association last semester, when it was named one of the top 16 chapters in the association and in the top 5 percent of AMA student chapters in the world. She gave part of the credit for the success to the advising of Boatwright.

Alumnus Jacob Puhl, a former student of Boatwright’s now employed by Marathon Oil, said he “exhibited a style and approach that kept me and other students constantly interested by associating the material with real-life experiences. He demonstrated a unique ability to relate material to his students.”

Boatwright says, based on his own research, “it is my firm belief that, if given accurate information regarding expectations, not just in the classroom, but for post-graduation, many students will respond to the challenge and responsibility of working hard to maximize their collegiate learning experience.”

The Perrysburg resident said he feels one of the most valuable experiences he can offer students is involvement in the BGAMA chapter. “Students are challenged to develop programs, strategies and activities that contribute toward their own professional development. They interact personally and professionally with some of our most important corporate donors and help with the funding of a significant number of marketing student scholarships. Business processes such as project planning, financial and performance results reporting and effective communications techniques are utilized to enhance their education.”

Boatwright’s commitment to guiding his students, coupled with his belief in the value of extracurricular activities, had a pivotal effect on former student Jacob Beck, who met him while a sophomore. “Going into Dr. B.’s office I was expecting a 10-minute meeting on what class to take,” Beck wrote. “It ended up being a two-hour conversation on everything in my life: my goals, my aspirations, family and life in general. He strongly advised me not only to become a member of AMA but to apply for an executive position. He even offered to let me borrow the $60 for the cost of membership!”

Beck continued to meet with Boatwright over the next two years for guidance in academics, professional development and life skills, he said. “Without his insight and guidance I do not believe I would be where I am today. I am currently working at Nike World Headquarters in Asia Pacific Marketing . . . I am only one of many who have benefited from his wisdom.”

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(Posted November 03, 2008 )