Sunday, August 21, 2005

WILMINGTON, NC – A prolific director, performer and strong student supporter, Frank Trimble was presented the 4th Annual J. Marshall Crews Distinguished Faculty Award on August 18 at the first faculty meeting of the 2005-2006 academic year at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Trimble earned a Master of Science degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis on organizational communication and performance studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He came to UNCW in 1983 and has served as chair of the Department of Communication Studies since 1994. He has taught courses such as Performance of Literature, On-Camera Performance, Organizational Communication and Impromptu Speaking. He previously served as the department’s internship director.

Trimble was the recipient of the 1996 UNCW Chancellors Teaching Excellence Award. He has authored or co-authored numerous book chapters and articles in various areas within communication studies. He composed the original stage musicals, Fly Wright!: The Story of Two Brothers, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, Noah: An Ark Musical, On A Nutrition Mission!, and Duplin Voices. In Wilmington, he has directed and choreographed 27 stage productions (10 at UNCW), and been involved in the script writing and directing of various historical and educational video programs and performed in over 20 roles on stage, film, or television.

Trimble’s nominator extolled Trimble’s, “genuine concern and generosity.” And further noted that Trimble, “advised, encouraged and mentored me through my undergraduate degree, graduate degree and continues to this day as I embark upon an academic career…he has had a profound impact on my life far beyond the walls of the classrooms at UNCW.”

Trimble says of being named the recipient, “I’m honored to receive an award named for Dr. J Marshall Crews, an individual who continues to serve UNCW so admirably. I commend members of the UNCW Alumni Association and those in Alumni Relations for their dedication and accomplishments on behalf of our university. I’m grateful for their generous acknowledgment of my contributions."

The award was presented on behalf of the UNCW Alumni Association and Past Chair’s Council. The Past Chair’s Council is comprised of UNCW alumni that have served as chairpersons for the Alumni Association throughout its 35 years.

Dr. Crews, who joined Wilmington College in 1948, served the college and university for more than 30 years in several academic and administrative roles. In addition to teaching mathematics, Crews served as an academic dean, registrar and admissions director prior to his official retirement in 1981. He was in attendance for Thursday’s presentation.

Nominees for the J. Marshall Crews Distinguished Faculty Award must be or have been a full-time faculty member at the university for a minimum of seven years. Nominations are accepted from university faculty, staff or students as well as alumni and members of the community. The award is based on service, student support effort, leadership roles, and community service/ outreach efforts. The winner receives a $500 cash stipend and a medallion.

Additional accolades at the meeting went to Wendy Brenner of Creative Writing and Barbara Waxman of the English department who were honored with graduate mentor awards.

Russ Herman of Mathematics & Statistics, Tammy Hunt of the Cameron School of Business and Len Lecci of Psychology each received a Distinguished Teaching Professorship Award. Lecci was also honored with the Board of Trustees’ Teaching Excellence Award.

Richard Dillaman of Biology And Marine Biology, Patricia Kelley of Earth Sciences and Sherrill Martin of Music were presented with Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Awards.

Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo reported at the meeting this year’s state budget gives UNCW $7,013,803 in MALSA money. In addition, the School of Nursing was funded $2.6 million to design a new building.

UNCW welcomed 63 new full-time faculty members for the 2005-2006 academic year.

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