LINCOLN – The Nebraska State College System (NSCS) announced the 2018 Teaching Excellence Award Recipient, Dr. Randy Bertolas, on Saturday. The recognition was part of the commencement ceremony at Wayne State College, where Bertolas is a professor.
“Dr. Bertolas is a living example of this award. He advocates for his students, and is an excellent teacher, mentor, and advisor to his students,” said Chancellor Stan Carpenter of the Nebraska State College System. “His style of teaching reflects the core values, mission and vision of Wayne State College and the Nebraska State College System.”
Each year the NSCS recognizes a faculty member from one of the three state colleges with the Teaching Excellence Award. The award is given in recognition of superior teaching and advising, innovative instructional practice, high educational standards, and engaging learning environments that inspire and motivate students.
“Teaching geography is my passion and the focus of my career,” Bertolas said. “This award is a great honor, but the real reward is found in the success of my students.”
Dr. Bertolas is a professor of geography and chair of the Department of History, Politics, and Geography at Wayne State College. He came to Wayne State College in 1995 and serves as faculty advisor to the Explorers Club, Pi Gamma Mu (the international honor society in the social sciences), and Phi Kappa Phi (the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society). He chartered the WSC chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon (the international geography honor society) in 2002 and later served that organization as International President in 2011-12.
Bertolas earned his Ph.D. from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1995, his master’s degree at the University of Vermont in 1982, and his bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1980.
