Abdollah Shafieezadeh honored for teaching efforts
Abdollah Shafieezadeh believes the classroom is not only a place to acquire knowledge, but also a space for personal and intellectual growth. On the morning of March 9, 2023, leaders from across the university visited Prof. Shafieezadeh's CIVILEN 3310 class to recognize his efforts to achieve those objectives for CEGE students.
During the surprise visit, the Lichtenstein Associate Professor was awarded the Ohio State University Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. Established in the 1959-1960 academic year, the award annually recognizes no more than 10 faculty members for their teaching excellence. It is one of The Ohio state University's most prestigious awards for teaching.
Students, faculty, and alumni nominate faculty member and a committee of students, previous recipients, and alumni choose the award recipients.
In addition to receiving an honorarium made possible by gifts from The Ohio State University Alumni Association, University Advancement, and the Office of Academic Affairs, awardees are also inducted into Ohio State's Academy of Teaching.
Established in 1993, the Academy's mission includes affecting excellence in teaching by evaluating, promoting the importance of and helping to improve the awards for teaching.
In an announcement from Ohio State's Office of Academic Affairs, Molly Ranz Calhoun, president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, expressed her delight at being a part of the 2023 award celebration and her admiration for the honorees.
“These distinguished teachers represent the true spirit of who we are as Buckeyes in how they pay forward each day, preparing the next generation of thought leaders who will change the world in ways we have not yet imagined.”
Shafieezadeh, Director of Ohio State's Risk Assessment and Management of Structural and Infrastructure Systems (RAMSIS) lab, was moved by the recognition of his teaching endeavors.
"I am very honored by this award because it recognizes the impact that the faculty has had on students' lives and education," he stated. "The fact that the nominations for this award often come from current or former students and that alumni and students significantly contribute to the selection process make it all the more special to me."
Ayanna Howard, Dean, College of Engineering, Allison MacKay, Chair, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, Helen Malone, Vice Provost for Academic Policy and Faculty Resources, Office of Academic Affairs, and Don Stenta, Assistant Vice President, The Ohio State University Alumni Association joined Prof. Shafieezadeh and his students for the announcement.
As he posed for photos with his students and colleagues, Shafieezadeh reflected on Ohio State faculty's efforts to create inclusive learning environments that, in his words, "inspire, challenge, and empower students."
"I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in my students’ lives," he offered. "I hope to inspire a love of learning that will stay with them long after they leave my classroom.”
Learn more about the 2023 cohort of Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching honorees.
Photography: Jay LaPrete Photography
