Recognizing excellence: The first Bingham Endowed chairs
by Julie Martinez
Transylvania University recently celebrated its first Bingham Endowed Chairs: professors Paul Duffin, Qian Gao and Frank Russell. These outstanding educators were chosen through a thorough selection process led by Jonathan Berkey, a professor at Davidson College. He praised Transylvania’s teaching talent. Christopher Young, chair of the Bingham Fund board, commended the inaugural group for their dedication to the university and excellence in teaching. President Brien Lewis highlighted the importance of the Bingham Fund in attracting and retaining top educators, essential for empowering and inspiring students.
Meet the inaugural Bingham Endowed chairs
The appointment of Paul Duffin, Qian Gao and Frank Russell as the inaugural Bingham Endowed Chairs marks a significant milestone for Transylvania University. These five-year appointments will provide base salary, benefits and an additional $25,000 annual award to honor innovative teaching that exemplifies Transylvania’s dedication to providing the highest quality educational experience for its students.
Fostering lifelong scientists
Paul Duffin, associate professor of biology, embodies the essence of engaging and dynamic teaching. “I am fond of saying that any day spent in the lab is a good day, and so my favorite moments at Transylvania University tend to be in the lab, when students are not reading about science, but actually doing science and being scientists themselves,” he said. Specializing in molecular microbiology and bacterial genetics, Duffin emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, where students transition from absorbing scientific concepts to practicing and embodying the role of scientists.
I strive to foster a community of lifelong learning. Lifelong curiosity tends to lead itself to engage citizens who are responsible and socially aware.
Paul Duffin, Bingham Endowed Chair
Duffin’s approach is rooted in evidence-based practices that prioritize student empowerment and independent learning. By focusing on pedagogical strategies that provide rigorous and effective teaching, he aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to explore science on their own. His philosophy centers on engaging students in laboratory exercises and fostering a community of lifelong learners.
Beyond the lab, Duffin is committed to developing interdisciplinary courses, which blend different disciplines. His collaboration with a philosophy colleague to explore how epidemics shape societies exemplifies this innovative spirit. Duffin cherishes the relationships he builds with students, guiding them from their first year through graduation and beyond. His dedication to incorporating real-world issues and recent developments into classroom discussions contextualizes theoretical knowledge, making it relevant and exciting for students.
Cultivating Global Citizens
Qian Gao, professor of Chinese language and culture, also exemplifies dedication to engaging and inspiring students. Gao’s approach is characterized by cultural infusion, student-centered learning and technology-assisted instruction. She believes in the power of an intimate educational environment, where smaller class sizes at Transylvania allow for personalized mentorship and a close-knit community of lifelong learners. Her commitment to continuous improvement and innovative pedagogy is evident in her efforts to inspire and guide students to become well-rounded, independent thinkers ready to tackle post-college challenges.
Excellence in teaching, for me, means not only to teach students a set of knowledge, information or skills. More importantly, I think it also includes a passion for teaching and a passion for caring for students.
Qian Gao, Bingham Endowed Chair
Gao emphasizes real-world applications in her teaching. By using authentic materials and immersive experiences, she brings the richness of Chinese culture to the classroom. Her interdisciplinary course development reflects her innovative spirit, blending different fields to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Gao’s favorite moments in teaching often come when she sees her students’ eyes light up with curiosity and excitement. Her ultimate goal is to cultivate global citizens who appreciate diverse perspectives and are equipped to engage thoughtfully with the world. Her research in modern Chinese literature and film informs her vibrant and immersive teaching style.
Bridging the Past and Present
Frank Russell, professor of history and classics, is another example of the scholarly passion and teaching excellence Transylvania values. His journey with the Bingham program is marked by a personal investment in transforming the endowment from a mere salary supplement to a catalyst for future pedagogical innovation.
Excellence in teaching is about stewardship — responsibility to the tradition of inquiry and the care and service of students.
Frank Russell, Bingham Endowed Chair
Frank Russell, professor of history and classics, is an example of the passion and teaching excellence that Transylvania values. His work with the Bingham program goes beyond just enhancing his salary; he’s turning it into a springboard for future teaching innovations.
Russell’s dedication to mentorship and connecting students with new opportunities shows his belief in the transformative power of education. He’s always looking to expand Transylvania’s global reach, working on projects that bridge cultural and academic gaps. He dreams of long-term collaborations with an excavation site in Antioch, Turkey, and stronger ties with Hellenic American University in Athens. These projects aim to give students immersive international experiences, fostering hands-on learning and cross-cultural understanding.
“My teaching philosophy isn’t about just conveying knowledge,” Russell said. “It’s about being a catalyst for students to pursue their own knowledge. I don’t just go over assigned readings; I react to students’ reactions to those readings. I try to keep the conversation going rather than just answering questions.” Russell’s research includes ancient history, military and political intelligence, and counter-insurgency. By engaging students in lively discussions, he encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of historical contexts.
