Campbell biology professor voted Professor of the Year

Buies Creek, N.C.—If it walks, creeps or crawls, chances are it’s seen the lens of Dr. John Bartlett’s microscope. Bartlett, a Ph.D. in wildlife ecology, is as enthusiastic about the study of wildlife as he is the students, who voted him Campbell University’s 2010 Professor of the Year on Wednesday, April 28.

Bartlett, who teaches ecology, ornithology, zoology, Honors 102, Introduction to Forensics, Introduction to Biological Research, Ecology of Costa Rica, Biology 101 and Vertebrate Natural History, is often in the field examining North Carolina’s swamps and waterways for a deadly fungus that is attacking the world’s frog population or working to protect endangered species from the destruction of their natural habitat.

“I love this stuff! I have lots of energy in the classroom because I am excited about what I teach,” Bartlett said. “Every time I watch TV or a video or read a book, I ask myself: ‘Is this relevant to what I teach? How can I package this idea into something that my students would appreciate?’”

Bartlett said he feels an obligation to engage students in the classroom.

“My goal as a teacher is to make learning fun for my students,” he said. “They have to learn what you teach, why not be as creative as possible when you have them in the room?”

Although his life revolves around his students, Bartlett’s colleagues are also a rich source of support.

“Our biology program at Campbell has the best, most diverse cohort of faculty one could wish for,” he said. “They are highly competent professionals and yet they are down-to-earth, friendly and engaging. Our program has grown substantially in my eight years at Campbell, but we continue to work very hard to provide each student with the one-on-one interaction they deserve. We know their names, we share their vision and we pray for them. We are family.”

Dr. John Bartlett received a Bachelor of Science in forestry and wildlife from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Science in wildlife and fishery from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He earned a Ph.D. in wildlife ecology from the University of Maine. His research interests involve satellite imagery of land cover changes related to human activities and the effects of these changes on bird species abundance.

“I am deeply humbled that my students would grant me such an honor,” Bartlett said of the award. “We work hard for our students because we love them and we want them to succeed. They will go out into the world and make themselves and Campbell University proud. I am just glad to be a part of their success.”

Photo Copy: Dr. John Bartlett, assistant professor of biology at Campbell University

Bulletin: 16520

Date: May/12/10