Wayne Honored with NSM's Butler Teaching Award


Excellence in the Classroom and Beyond

Excellence in teaching comes in many different forms, a fact exemplified by the John C. Butler Excellence in Teaching Award.

Chad WayneChad Wayne, instructional associate professor of biology and biochemistry, teaches Human Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Human Physiology.Such is true of this year’s recipient Chad Wayne, instructional associate professor of biology and biochemistry, who is involved in a wide range of leadership roles that has left a lasting impact on his students’ education. The other recipient of this year’s Butler Award is professor of geology, Shuhab Khan.

The Butler Teaching Award, established in the memory of former College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean John Butler, recognizes faculty members who excel in teaching. Every year, this award is given to one instructional faculty member and one tenured/tenure-track faculty member, and is accompanied by a plaque and a $5,000 prize. Award recipients are also recognized at the NSM Convocation in May.

Nominations may be made by NSM departments, student organizations, faculty and students. Wayne received letters of nomination and support from faculty, current students and former students.

Chad Wayne – Biology and Biochemistry

From his excellence in the classroom to his roles as mentor, advisor, and director of student success initiatives, Wayne excels as an educator in many different capacities.

Chad Wayne has a reputation for challenging his students, as well as himself. In 2013, Wayne was recognized with the University of Houston’s Teaching Excellence Award for Instructional and Clinical faculty.

“His class took me out of my comfort zone,” noted one recommender. “He is a one-of-a-kind professor with an outstanding passion for teaching,” noted another. “Because of Dr. Wayne, I have been able to continue in my pursuit of medical school,” wrote another.

Wayne, who teaches the course Human Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Human Physiology, also serves on committees aimed at supporting students interested in careers in the health professions, such as the Honors Biomedical Sciences Program and the Health Professions Advisory Committee.

“Dr. Wayne is a professor who always gives his best,” noted a recommender.

- Rachel Fairbank, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics