BUIES CREEK – Dr. Michael R. Smith and Dr. Richard H. Drew received prestigious recognitions at the Senior and Faculty Awards Banquet, Wednesday.
The Faculty Development and Research Committee presented Smith, professor of Communications, with the D. P. Russ Jr. and Walter S. Jones Sr. Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence; and Drew, professor of Pharmacy, with the Award for Research Excellence. Each award comes with a trophy and monetary stipend, made possible by a newly established gift to the alumni fund.
Drew has distinguished himself over a 30-year career as a pharmacy professional. He is known widely for his work in infectious disease pharmacotherapy having published more than 70 journal articles, seven book chapters, 21 handbooks and multimedia articles and 53 abstracts. He has made presentations at local, state, national and international meetings and conducted countless research projects.
Dr. Adam English, chairman of the Faculty Development and Research Committee, said Drew is “a model of research excellence representing the very best Campbell has to offer.”
“Drew’s contributions to the advancement of knowledge in pharmacy practice, especially in the area of infectious diseases have made him a highly sought speaker throughout the county,” English said. “As one of the leading pharmacy scholars in the pharmacotherapy of fungal infections, Dr. Drew is at the forefront of advancing the understanding and use of antifungal agents.”
Smith, recipient of the award for Teaching Excellence, has served as faculty sponsor of The Campbell Times, taught courses on behalf of the Honors Interdisciplinary Program, has led study-abroad trips and taken students to national conferences, taught workshops overseas and for the World Journalism Institute. He has also worked with the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication on education and teaching issues.
Sara Acosta, now on staff at Campbell, recalled Dr. Smith’s professionalism and dedication to his craft from her time in his class. Dr. Edward Fubara of the School of Business attested to Smith’s much-appreciated work with MBA level marketing students.
“He is a role model to our students and views his teaching role as a ministry through which he desires to glorify the Lord,” Fubara said.
In addition to his commitment to students, Smith is recognized a scholar of the highest order. He has written five books, a dozen articles and countless news pieces.
Drew and Smith are the inaugural recipients of these two new awards.
English, speaking on behalf of the Faculty Development and Research Committee, said, “These two awards … are significant because they are university-wide awards, not limited to any one school or department. The recipients were nominated by faculty colleagues from across the university.”