Photo by Pathik Shah

For 38 years, James Benbrook, professor of physics, has enjoyed teaching the course he created, Modern Electronics for Physicists, which is almost always full to capacity. He describes it as a place where “students learn which end of the soldering iron to hold.”

Benbrook also assisted in consolidating the three-semester introductory sequence into two semesters, allowing students to graduate in a timelier manner.

“He is creative, hard-working, enthusiastic, good-natured and, above all, an excellent teacher,” wrote one student in a letter of support.

For all his contributions, the university has honored Benbrook with a Teaching Excellence Award. This award is given to faculty in recognition of outstanding teaching in the core curriculum. Recipients are honored with a trophy and a $5,000 prize.

John-Michael Haines
Staff writer

View full list of 2008 award recipients                          Past award recipients