The Griffon News

Thorne awarded for teaching excellence

Ann Thorne, professor of journalism and the Griffon Yearbook adviser, will be presented with the Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence at the Governor’s Outstanding Teacher Award luncheon in Columbia on April 11.
“It’s just incredible,” Thorne said. “It’s such a special award that only one person a year can get, so I’m really amazed. There isn’t any bigger award, so I feel very honored to be a part of it.”

This award is not only based on successful teaching but also helpful advising, providing service to the university and committing to the high standards of excellence and success rates in developing student achievement.

“Her work as a media scholar and preparing students for post-graduate careers has been recognized repeatedly at the national level, and she gives unstintingly of her time to those she mentors and to her profession,” Bragin said.

In addition to Thorne having received all of the university’s distinguished teaching awards, Thorne’s students are continually winning state and national recognition in media publication. The yearbook also wins national awards for excellence among all college media entries. The College Media Association has recognized her work with students seven times.

“She is great to work with on yearbook, and without her, I don’t think the book would be complete,” said student Amy Chastain, senior copy and assignment editor for the Griffon Yearbook. “She is basically what makes the book.”

But Thorne gives much of the credit to the success of the yearbook to dedicated students with a desire to learn.

“I like to see the students put in effect what they have learned.” Thorne said. “The students here are serious about what they do and put time into their work.”

Chastain said she thinks that Thorne really cares about each student and the yearbook, and that is why she is deserving of the prestigious award.

“I think Ann has earned this award,” Chastain said. “She’s a great advisor and professor. She really cares about each student and the yearbook. She has introduced new aspects of journalism. I have learned lots of new techniques from her.”

Thorne has been teaching at Western since 1988 and was selected from the faculty members who have received the James V. Mehl Award, the Jesse Lee Myers Excellence in Teaching Award or the Governor’s Distinguished Professor Award in the past three years.

Thorne fell into Western by accident, but it certainly has not been an accident to keep her around. Her position as a professor and advisor seems to suit her just fine.

“I guess I was in the right place at the right time,” Thorne said. “I came here on a one-year contract as a temporary position, and I have been here ever since and it’s been great. I feel really lucky; I love what I do.”

The challenges of teaching don’t bother Thorne at all. To the contrary, she looks forward to them.

“I really like the challenges of teaching,” she said. “It’s fun to face new challenges each semester. The constant changes and challenges make teaching a joy.”