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WINNERS OF CIC SCIENCE
COMPETITION AWARDS ANNOUNCED

WASHINGTON, D. C. - The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) today announced that three independent colleges and universities have been selected to receive the Council's third annual Heuer Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Science Education. Hendrix College (AR), Roanoke College (VA), and Whitworth College (WA) were chosen out of 47 nominations for demonstrating noteworthy recent achievement in undergraduate science education.
The CIC/Heuer award program, funded by The Russell Pearce and Elizabeth Crimian Heuer Foundation, builds on the documented achievements of independent colleges and universities in undergraduate science education. Each institution will receive a $10,000 prize that may be used for further enhancement of its science programs.
In announcing the winners of the competition today, CIC President Richard Ekman said the exemplary programs in the science departments of these institutions "give further evidence of the view that science education in independent colleges and universities is a resource of major importance to the nation’s future. The competition this year again demonstrates the signal – and disproportionate – contributions by small colleges to meeting the nation’s need for more and better trained scientists and science teachers.” Attached is a description of each of the award programs.

A panel of science educators, knowledgeable about science and mathematics education in private colleges and universities, chose the winners of the Heuer awards. Panelists included (chair) W. H. Bearce, CIC senior advisor and a retired professor of chemistry and dean of the college at Central College (IA); Brian Beecken, professor of physics at Bethel College (MN); David Koetje, associate professor of biology at Calvin College (MI); and Michael Nichols, associate professor of organic and environmental chemistry at John Carroll University (OH).

The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of more than 500 independent, liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality education, and enhance private higher education’s contributions to society. To fulfill this mission, CIC provides its members with skills, tools, and knowledge that address aspects of leadership, financial management and performance, academic quality, and institutional visibility. The Council is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.

Hendrix College (AR) – undergraduate research in chemistry and physics: Hendrix science faculty members have been national leaders in the development of the Council on Undergraduate Research as a major influence in small colleges. The two departments of chemistry and physics have impressive records of increasing student/faculty research collaboration, recognized by the publication of numerous papers and the acceptance of many students into graduate programs. A recent NSF study ranks Hendrix College 24th in the number of graduates per total enrollment who had received PhDs in chemistry, 33rd in physics, and 41st in engineering. In addition, the emphasis on student research in the two departments has stimulated similar opportunities to be offered in other disciplines.

Roanoke College (VA) – introduction of “real world” science into the chemistry major: The chemistry major has been revamped to prepare students for the work chemists do in both academic and industrial settings, through a series of seminars, field trips, service activities, and intensive communications training, as well as increased use of advanced laboratory instrumentation and research experiences. Of particular note is the emphasis on communication skills, with two courses required. Also of significance is the growth of participation in the Enrichment Program in Chemistry (EPIC) seminar series, which has increased student interest, alumni involvement in on-campus activities, acceptance of students’ work for off-campus presentations, and a doubling of the number of students who go on to graduate study. The number of declared majors has risen significantly from an average of 15 during the years 1995-2000 to a new high of 25 this year. Just 10-15 years ago only 30-40 percent of chemistry students went on to postgraduate study; now that percentage is 75 percent.

Whitworth College (WA) – undergraduate physics: The physics curriculum has undergone revision and enhancement over ten years, resulting in a fourfold increase in majors in the last five years (from 11 majors in 1997 to 41 in 2002), and the addition of an applied physics major for those interested in engineering. Undergraduate research has been strengthened through participation in NASA’s electronic propulsion program, and collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Labs. Outreach activities by the department to in-service K-12 teachers have been accompanied by an increase in the number of physics students pursuing K-12 certification.

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The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of more than 500 independent, liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality education, and enhance private higher education’s contributions to society. To fulfill this mission, CIC provides its members with skills, tools, and knowledge that address aspects of leadership, financial management and performance, academic quality, and institutional visibility.

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