Grace College professors Dr. Tom Edgington, Dr. Matt Harmon, Professor Jodi Hason and Professor Steven Alley were honored recently for their outstanding contributions to the institution’s culture of service and academic excellence.
Dr. Tom Edgington, associate dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences and professor of behavioral science, received the Alva J. McClain Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Edington has served at Grace College for forty years. He began as a part-time instructor while working on his M.Div. and then his doctoral degree. Since then, Edington has held a multitude of roles in the school, serving as chair, associate dean, and dean. He also helped launch several of the institution’s counseling initiatives, including the Counseling Center in 1992 and the graduate counseling program in 1995.
“As a professor, Tom stands out,” said Dr. Kelly Arney, dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences. “ Students appreciate his teaching style, and his course evaluations reflect that fact. His deep compassion for people and the Word of God is evident in all that he does. He incorporates a beautiful blend of theological knowledge and clinical wisdom gained through years of experience in his private practice.”
Dr. Matt Harmon, professor of New Testament studies, received the Homer A. Kent Award for Scholarship. This award is given biennially to a faculty member who exhibits outstanding performance in the area of scholarship.
Harmon’s work helps people see the beauty of Jesus Christ in all of Scripture with the intended goal of deepening the worship of God’s people. He has currently published 10 books, a dozen peer-reviewed essays, articles and book chapters and 15 book reviews. He is committed to a careful study of Scripture in its original languages, within the literary, historical, cultural, redemptive, and canonical contexts. His works focus on how later authors of Scripture use earlier texts of Scripture, biblical theology, Paul’s letters and hermeneutics. Harmon currently has more than a dozen additional projects in process.
“Matt is publishing at an impressive rate,” said Dr. Tiberius Rata, associate dean of the School of Ministry Studies. “He has a passion for writing, and he does it well. Pastors and scholars enjoy reading his books as they come out, which is nearly once a year.”
The Excellence in Part-Time Teaching Award was presented to Jodi Hanson and Steven Alley. This award honors part-time faculty who go above and beyond in the classroom and facilitate excellent rapport with students.
Hanson has been a part-time instructor of the Methods of Science class in the School of Education for six years. She brings seven years of experience integrating STEM into reading, math and writing as an elementary teacher and has served on several STEM committees for Warsaw Community Schools. With this professional background, Hanson has been instrumental in creating a class for education majors that incorporates the core elements of STEM education.
“Jodi designed an invaluable practicum experience for teacher candidates through an after-school Girls in STEM program for nearly 150 local first- through third-grade girls,” said Dr. Cheryl Bremer, dean of the School of Education. “The club inspires the next generation of women in STEM while offering teacher candidates hands-on teaching experience.”
Alley is also a part-time instructor in the School of Education. Known for his innovative and effective teaching methods, Alley employs a variety of strategies, including interactive activities, class discussions, videos and games, to maintain student engagement. Many education students state that Alley’s course, “School-Aged Child,” was one of their favorites.
“Students consistently praise Professor Alley’s ability to create an engaging and enjoyable learning environment,” said Bremer. “His dedication to fostering a positive classroom climate is clear, with numerous students highlighting his respectful, kind and caring demeanor. He goes above and beyond to connect with his students, ensuring they feel valued and supported.”
For more information about Grace College and its faculty, visit grace.edu.
