Biology professor awarded prestigious award
By Katie Jones, News Writing Student
The 2007 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to biology professor Richard Trout at the graduating commencement ceremony May 18.
“I sat in the back for 17 years and finally won,” Trout said.
The President’s Award is presented to one faculty member every year. Criteria for winning include a high degree of professional experience and education, unique teaching methods and an overall passion for students and teaching.
OCCC President Paul Sechrist described Trout as “a model teacher and accomplished professional.”
Trout earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Oklahoma Christian University, a master’s degree in natural science from Oklahoma State University, teaching certification from the University of Central Oklahoma and has participated in advanced training at the University of Oklahoma’s Health Science Center.
Trout began working at OCCC in 1986 as an adjunct professor. At the time, he was teaching at Rose State College as well as UCO.
In 1990, Trout became a full-time professor. He says he plans on remaining full time until he retires, which could be within the next 5 years.
“I enjoy being around the students. They keep you young and on your toes,” Trout said.
Trout’s been nominated more than a dozen times prior to winning this year.
Along with the award, each year’s winner receives a $1,000 cash prize.
When asked what he plans to do with his prize money, Trout said he had some idea how to spend it.
“I have a list, and my wife has a list. Maybe a big screen television, diving equipment, or some furniture for my daughter’s new apartment,” he said.
Outside the classroom, Trout is an accomplished author. He has a number of young adult books already published, and he is currently working on two more.
Trout said he credits his growth as a teacher to other OCCC professors including biology professor Dennis Anderson, physical science professor Gary Houlette, biology professor Ron Scribner and former biology professor John Perry.
“I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.
