Jeannie Ludlow was recently awarded with the Disabilities Services for Students Award. She was nominated by one of her students.
“I am honored. This award is particularly valuable because it comes from students,” Ludlow said. “I was surprised and happy to learn that students whom I work with felt strongly enough about what I do to take the time and energy to nominate me for this award.”
Criteria for the award includes: the ability of the professor to promote inclusiveness in the classroom, how the professor values diverse learning styles and abilities, how the professor challenges and supports students with disabilities and how they believe in and enjoy working with all students.
“The Disability Services for Students Office is very pleased to award Ludlow with the spring 2004 Outstanding Faculty Award,” said Lea Anne Kessler, student counselor for the Disabilities Services for Students. “This award is especially exciting because although our office presents the award, it is really from the students. It is wond-erful to recognize a professor who has made such a wonderful impact on her students and who has contributed to providing equal educational access at BGSU.”
Ludlow is an Undergraduate Adviser in the Woman’s Studies Program and an instructor of American Culture Studies. Ludlow has been teaching at the University since 1991. She received her doctorate in American Culture Studies and a master’s degree in English Literature, both from Bowling Green. She has research interests in Native Women’s Writing, Body Politics, Media Studies, and Rural Studies. She has taught courses in “Teaching American Culture Studies,” “American Environmental History,” and “U.S. Cultural Pluralism.” She said that she has enjoyed teaching these classes.
“I love working with students, watching them grow and deepen their knowledge and I also love learning from my students,” Ludlow said. “Every semester, students push me to learn more and think more deeply.”
In her classes she goes out of her way to help students with disabilities. She follows the recommendations of the Disability Services Office regarding suggestions for helping student. She also takes time to listen to students to learn what is helpful to them.
“On one hand, I don’t believe I do anything particularly to help students who have disabilities,” Ludlow said. “Good teaching involves attention to different learning styles and talents, so I try to give all my students the opportunity to work with me to highlight their own strengths in learning.”
She said that she is inspired by the example set by The Disability Service Office and encourages the rest of the campus to make the University a truly accessible learning environment.
