Lois Vines, professor of modern languages, will receive the second annual Presidential Teaching Award during Ohio University's undergraduate commencement ceremonies June 8.

President Robert Glidden will present the award, which was established to recognize outstanding faculty for their excellence as teachers inside and outside the classroom. The award carries a $15,000 prize, the title of Presidential Teacher for three years and the responsibility to share outstanding teaching practices with fellow faculty.

"Professor Vines is an inspiring teacher who engages her students in their studies and who also exemplifies university citizenship by her innovative work in curriculum development," Glidden said. "She is highly organized and is respected as a mentor to other faculty as well as to her students. She is a most appropriate selection as a Presidential Teacher."

A committee of faculty, students, alumni and last year's recipients DeLysa Burnier and Carolyn Tice, determines the honoree based on his or her teaching practices and innovations, influences on curriculum, student advising, mentoring and scholarship as it relates to teaching.

Vines' classes encourage students to interact with each other individually as well as in groups. She uses small groups, class discussions and integrated technology to encourage active learning, and her commitment to teaching extends far beyond her department. Vines has worked to bring languages into area school systems and to incorporate language into other academic programs within the university. She is deeply committed to mentoring students and faculty, involved with curriculum innovation and development and dedicated to promoting the teaching profession through her scholarship.

"Teaching is a privilege I enjoy while working with students in the classroom and beyond as they pursue special opportunities and discover interesting careers. I am honored to be a Presidential Teacher and look forward to sharing my experience with the learning community at Ohio University," Vines said.