Schnepp receives prestigious ATMAE award

Dr. Jerry Schnepp, associate professor of visual communication technology (VCT) and director of Bowling Green State University’s Collab Lab, has been recognized with the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) Faculty Excellence Award for 2018. 

Schnepp has been at BGSU since 2012 and is a technologist, designer and creative problem-solver, teaching classes on interactive media focusing on web technology, design and user experience. 

The award, presented at the annual ATMAE Awards Breakfast on Nov. 9, recognizes members who have primary responsibilities in four-year institutions offering technology, engineering technology, technology management or applied engineering programs. Selection is based on excellence in teaching, research and service to the profession. 

“Winning this award is an incredible honor,” Schnepp said. “The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering is our accrediting body. They are the ones who evaluate our programs to ensure our courses meet the published standards. This recognition reinforces the college's continued efforts to develop curricula that prepare our students for industry jobs.”

Each semester, in addition to teaching classes, Schnepp mentors two or three students who conduct an independent study project. The typical experience of an undergraduate student in the VCT program involves completion of coursework and co-op assignments. Giving students the enhanced opportunity to conduct scientific or creative research has been Schnepp’s priority as a VCT faculty member. 

“I feel that, given the opportunity, VCT undergraduates stand to benefit immensely from involvement in research projects,” Schnepp said. “These students had never done research like this before and each did remarkable work. More importantly, these students each gained a set of skills, values and principles that will serve them throughout their careers.”

BGSU also honored Schnepp for his efforts in behalf of students when it presented him the 2018 Elliot L. Blinn Award for Faculty-Undergraduate Student Innovative Basic Research/Creative Work Award at the Faculty Excellence Awards last May.

"Jerry exemplifies excellence in teaching that enriches student skills through the latest technology and research,” said Dr. Jennie Gallimore, dean of the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. “His drive and accomplishments are pushing our students to greater heights. A job well done to Jerry and the rest of the VCT department."