The Louis D. Beaumont Dad’s Association Distinguished Professor Award has been presented to a full-time faculty member each year since 1968. Nominations are received from students, and a small group of invited students then choose from among those nominated who should receive the award for the year for displaying a dedication to quality teaching. This award is incredibly meaningful to faculty because it is given by students.
This week The Woods Today continues its series on WWU professors nominated for this year’s Beaumont award with Ellen Moore, Ph.D. Dr. Moore is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and this will be her second-year teaching at WWU.
Dr. Moore’s favorite class to teach is actually the class that was her favorite during her time as an undergrad– organic chemistry. This may seem surprising, but she explained, “it is largely considered to be one of the hardest classes at the collegiate level so it’s particularly rewarding to be able to break down complicated topics and make them more manageable.”
She actually started chemistry as a pre-requisite for nursing. After some time in the medical field, Dr. Moore returned to chemistry to fulfill her love of learning.
At WWU, every student gets an academic advisor within their major to assist them with their class registration and graduation requirements. Dr. Moore thoroughly enjoys that part of her position at WWU, along with teaching.
“I really love advising,” she said. “Getting the chance to know the students on a different level and work towards their college and career goals is so rewarding.”
Dr. Moore was drawn to William Woods because of its small class sizes that were similar to her undergraduate institution. She believes that small classes sizes at her alma mater enabled her to get to know professors and receive one-on-one help when she needed it.
“My favorite memory was actually my interview. It was my first glimpse at the community here at The Woods and everyone was so welcoming. It felt more like a day with friends than an interview.”
Learn more about Dr. Moore as she answers the following questions:
How many years have you been teaching at The Woods?: This is my second year at William Woods.
Interesting fact not many people know about you: I run a little free library at my home in Columbia. We usually take in more books than we can use so we also spend time each week refilling other local little free libraries.
Favorite memory from working at The Woods: My favorite memory was actually my interview. It was my first glimpse at the community here at The Woods and everyone was so welcoming. It felt more like a day with friends than an interview.
What has been your favorite class to teach and why?: My absolute favorite class to teach (and was my favorite as an undergrad) is organic chemistry. It is largely considered to be one of the hardest classes at the collegiate level so it’s particularly rewarding to be able to break down complicated topics and make them more manageable.
Best advice to new college students: Don’t procrastinate! Make a to-do list daily and knock out your tasks before they have the chance to become overwhelming.
Best or most memorable moment you had with a student: I really love advising. Getting the chance to know the students on a different level and work towards their college and career goals is so rewarding.
What drew you to what you now teach?: I started chemistry as a pre-requisite for nursing. After my time in the medical field, I returned to chemistry to fulfill my love of learning.
What stood/stands out to you about The Woods?: Small class sizes!! Because of small class sizes at my undergrad institution, I was able to get to know the professors and get one-on-one help when I needed it. I know that if I would have gone to a larger institution, I would have been lost in the numbers.