Benedictine College (KS) and Nebraska Wesleyan University (NE) are the first recipients of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Heuer Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Science Education. The new awards, funded by The Russell Pearce and Elizabeth Crimian Heuer Foundation, recognize two institutions that have demonstrated noteworthy recent achievement in undergraduate science education. Each institution will receive a $10,000 prize that may be used for further enhancement of its science programs. This awards program builds on the documented achievements of independent colleges and universities in undergraduate science education.
    In announcing the winners of the competition in June, CIC President Richard Ekman said the science departments at these institutions "have transformed the teaching of sciences and proved that creativity and rigor in program design can indeed increase student interest and success in the sciences, as well as strengthen programs in K-12 schools."
    The biology department of Benedictine College is recognized "for its development of an extensive student-faculty research program in biology and ecology that is fully integrated throughout the biology curriculum," Ekman said. The faculty created a program involving the study of biodiversity in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project on the Missouri River in which agricultural lands are being converted to wetlands. All biology faculty members and many students are participating. Revised courses teach students how to conduct research. The curriculum sequence begins with a special course on research methods for freshmen considering majors in biology. Sophomores are recruited into research groups; and seniors, as project leaders, recruit and train sophomores and are required to present their research findings at professional meetings.
    Benedictine President Daniel Carey indicated that these initiatives have shown a range of positive results. "The number of biology majors has increased—70 percent of graduates have pursued postgraduate education and an impressive number of students have presented research papers and reports at state and national meetings," he said. In addition, a number of biology alumni have made financial contributions, initially for summer student stipends, and have begun to take a broader interest in the institution. Carey noted this work has also led to extensive cooperative efforts with federal and state agencies; the College is the only private higher educational institution in the Consortium of Missouri River Institutions, which coordinates research and policy analysis regarding the use, management, and restoration of the Missouri River.
    The natural science division of Nebraska Wesleyan University "is recognized for a pervasive transformation of its biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics programs and for an extensive outreach program for teachers in small, rural Nebraska high schools," Ekman said. Over the past decade, the University has enhanced facilities and equipment, revised curricula, and provided faculty development. A defining feature of these developments has been the utilization of student research opportunities throughout these departments, culminating in major research projects carried out by most majors. To support this research, the University has established a Student Research Fellowship Program, providing summer stipends for research at a range of sites—from research universities and medical centers to zoos and private industry.
     "The results have been impressive," Ekman noted. "Increasing numbers of students have earned awards and made presentations at regional or national professional meetings, as well as attended graduate school in growing numbers."
    A second significant impact has involved rural schools. Nebraska Wesleyan University President Jeanie Watson said, "Since 1992, the University has conducted three-week, residential programs for teachers from small high schools. With heavy teaching loads, and often with inadequate equipment and preparation, these teachers work with laboratory-based modules in biology, chemistry, and physics and other activities that they can utilize in their schools. The summer programs have served 99 teachers, many of whom extend this influence by presentations at their own professional meetings."

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Last updated: August 2, 2001
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