LAKELAND, Fla. (May 9, 2006) — Patrick Smith, assistant professor of psychology at Florida Southern College, received the Lover of Wisdom Award during the college’s annual Honors Convocation April 19.  Smith has taught at Florida Southern since 2003. 

The Lover of Wisdom Award is given each year to a member of the faculty or staff who displays and helps to perpetuate a great appreciation for wisdom.  Candidates are nominated by members of Phi Eta Sigma, the freshman honor society, based on their love of their discipline, their enthusiasm, usually in a teaching capacity, and how much they encourage students to do their best. 

“Dr Smith is a whirlwind of activity.  If he isn’t conducting a very hands-on experiment with his students, he is taking them to national and regional meetings or working with Psi Chi, the Psychology Honorary. This is a wonderful recognition for what he does so well.” said Susan Conner, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college.

Smith earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience at The Florida State University. He is a member of the American Psychological Society, the Southeastern Psychological Association and the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. He many recognitions included being named as the national representative for the Florida Southern Chapter of Psi Chi, being named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2004 and receiving the Florida State University Outstanding Teaching Award for Graduate Students in 2002. He has served on several important committees at the college, regularly publishes his work and presents at national conferences, and continually enhances his teaching by participating in workshops and seminars.

About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1885, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive, United Methodist college with a liberal arts core. The college maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 38 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student/faculty ratio, provides strong student/faculty mentorship programs, boasts 25 NCAA Division II national championships, and is ranked by U. S. News and World Report as one of the top ten Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelors and by the Princeton Review as a “Best Southeastern College.” Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is the home of the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.