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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Dean Receives Promising Teacher Award

June 14, 2011

Dr. Michael Dean, OBU assistant professor of music, received OBU's Promising Teacher Award during the university's Spring Commencement May 13.

Dean, who joined the OBU faculty in fall 2006 as assistant professor of music, received the award from OBU President David W. Whitlock during the graduation ceremonies before an overflow audience of more than 1,800 in the university's Raley Chapel.

The Promising Teacher Award is presented to a junior faculty member who has taught at OBU less than six years, who has demonstrated outstanding potential as a teacher and who has the characteristics of one who may be a future recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Dr. Michael Dean (left), OBU assistant professor of music, receives the Promising Teacher Award from OBU President David W. Whitlock.

In presenting the award, Whitlock said Dean not only invests in the learning of his students, but also in his own continued education.

"He has provided quality, inspiring instruction for his students in a variety of ways while seeking to improve himself as a teacher," Whitlock said. "He is an excellent example of a committed, caring professor who is a lifelong learner motivating his students to live worthy of the high calling of Christ."

Dean recently received his doctorate of musical arts in piano performance and piano pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma. He previously earned bachelor's degrees in music and mathematics from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and a master's degree in music from the University of Oklahoma. He maintains an active schedule as a workshop clinician, adjudicator, solo performer and collaborative artist throughout the United States and Canada.

Each year at Spring Commencement, OBU presents three important awards to recognize quality teaching and faithful, productive service: the Promising Teacher Award, the Meritorious Service Award and the Distinguished Teaching Award. Nominations for the awards are made by alumni, current students, faculty and administration. In addition to public recognition and a token of the university's appreciation, the recipients receive cash awards provided by OBU graduates John and Janet Hudson of Edmond, Okla.