CVM’s Duff Receives NC State Outstanding Teacher Award

Lisa Duff, an anatomy lecturer at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, is the recipient of a 2018 Outstanding Teacher Award from NC State University.

Sponsored by NC State’s Office of Faculty Development in cooperation with the Office of Executive Vice President and Provost Warwick Arden, the honor recognizes excellence in teaching and mentoring in an array of fields at the university.  

Duff, who came to the CVM as a part-time lab instructor in 2012 before becoming a lecturer in 2014, will be recognized with other honored educators at a McKimmon Center ceremony in April and singled out in the spring commencement program.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition,” said Duff. “Much of my success as a teacher I owe to my students and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to positively impact their learning and their careers.

Duff was the top nominee of CVM students who were asked to describe a favorite teacher’s approach to education and the values and characteristics they most admired in them. Anatomy is a pivotal, challenging course for first-year students in the DVM program.

“I have never had the opportunity to learn from such a dedicated and committed professor,” wrote one student. “Above all else, Dr. Duff’s continued encouragement and signs of confidence in me has inspired me to be a better student and to strive to continually improve.”

“Dr. Duff is so supportive as an instructor,” wrote another student. “I respect her completely, yet am not intimidated to come to her for help.”

Overall, Duff’s students described her as calm, caring and patient, effective in helping them master complicated material, said Laura Nelson, CVM associate dean and director of academic affairs.

“Moreover, students know her as an educator who is invested in their success and well-being beyond her course,” said Nelson.

~Jordan Bartel/NC State Veterinary Medicine