WVU professor receives teaching award from American Society of Engineering Education

Melissa Morris

Melissa Morris, a teaching associate professor and academic advisor for Fundamentals of Engineering at West Virginia University, has been named a recipient of the North Central Section Outstanding Teaching Award from the American Society of Engineering Education.

The award recognizes teachers of engineering students who exhibit outstanding classroom performance and serves as an incentive for educators to make further significant contributions to their profession.

Morris, a member of ASEE for six years, was recognized during an award banquet at the ASEE NCS Conference at the University of Akron on Saturday, March 24.

“I was shocked and super excited for the opportunity to accept this award and to represent WVU at the section conference,” said Morris. “Being recognized by ASEE motivates me to continue evolving as a professor.”

Upon receiving her doctorate in mechanical engineering from WVU in 2011, Morris began her academic career as a teaching assistant professor at the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. She was promoted to associate professor in 2017.

In addition to her teaching role, Morris currently manages the College’s Academy of Engineering Success, a semester-long academic success and professional development program specifically designed for incoming first-year engineering students.

“Teaching students at the Statler College is especially meaningful to me because I am a not only a second generation, three time graduate of the College, but also a second generation faculty member,” said Morris. “Since my father worked for the Statler College, it has been part of my life ever since I can remember. When I would attend take your child to work days with him I could only imagine what it would be like to have an office here and now that dream has become a reality.”

During her career, Morris has received a magnitude of honors, including the WVU Most Loyal Faculty/Professional Staff Mountaineer Award, the WVU Foundation Outstanding Teaching, the Nicholas Evans Award for Outstanding Advising, the Statler College Outstanding Advisor Award, the Statler College Teacher of the Year Award, the Statler College Outstanding Teacher Award and the John R. Williams Outstanding Honors Teacher Award.

ASEE is a non-profit association comprised of more than 12,000 members that are dedicated to promoting and improving advancements in engineering education.

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