LAKELAND, Fla. (May 15, 2006) — John R. Haldeman, professor of biology, received the Miller Distinguished Teaching Award during the college’s commencement ceremony on April 29. The award, established this year, will be conferred annually to the Florida Southern College professor who has been nominated by his or her colleagues for excellence in teaching, scholarly and creative work; distinctions in the profession; and contributions to the academic life of the College.

“This important award is a tribute to the lives and legacies of the late John and Eleanor Miller, two unswerving supporters of the College.  It enables the College to recognize the great talent and dedication of our faculty, especially those who are leaders in engaged learning,” said college president Anne B. Kerr.

Haldeman taught for 34 years in the biology department of Florida Southern, serving on the college’s Faculty Senate and Faculty Professional Interest Committee, and as the Faculty Senate Representative for the Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees. He wrote more than 20 scientific articles and 3 books, and supplemented classroom instruction with fieldwork and extensive research projects for his students. His focus on real-world application of knowledge provided his students with the opportunity to participate in the work of scientists, researchers and activists for environmental restoration. Through his guidance, students have risen to the top of their fields, winning national student awards.

His multi-year, multi-disciplinary, student and faculty collaborative project on Lake Hollingsworth culminated in the recently released “Lake Hollingsworth: Reflections and Studies on a Florida Landmark” (The History Press, Charleston, S.C., Haldeman and Quetchenbach, eds.), for which he was the co-editor. He secured grants for the restoration and signage of Southern Landing and consulted for a long list of museums, companies, park services and planning councils. He is the founding member of the city of Lakeland’s Lakes Committee, a board member of the Lakes Education/Action Drive, and the director of instruction for Environmental and Training Services.

“Dr. Haldeman has brought honor and distinction to our College for many years, and it is our privilege to recognize his tremendous contributions to our institution and to student learning,” said Susan Conner, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “He is an excellent teacher who makes his subject come alive, is the quintessential mentor to students, and has a splendidly positive outlook on life and learning. We are fortunate that, although he is retiring, he plans to keep researching and working with students on campus.”

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.