Master Teacher Award to John G. McConnell

Posted May 25, 1999


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 25, 1999
99-05-12-OTHER

McConnell Latest Recipient of Master Teacher
Award

The University of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that the
recipient of the 1999 Master Teacher Award is Professor John
Gerhart McConnell of the Department of Geography.

The Master Teacher Award, which carries a $1000 prize, was
established to emphasize the importance of good teaching at the
University of Saskatchewan and to recognize and honour those
faculty members who excel in teaching.

McConnell, who received his masters degree from the University of
Toronto in 1965, began his career at the University of Saskatchewan
in 1964 as an instructor in the Department of Geography before
being promoted to full Professor in 1984. In 1994 McConnell fulfilled
duties as Acting Head of the Geography Dept., a position he also held
in 1979. In addition to teaching, Professor McConnell has served on
numerous theses committees as a member or as an external
examiner for over 20 students at the Masters level and five at the
Doctoral level.

In 1998, Professor McConnell was the first person to receive the
Certificate of Distinguished Services to the College of Arts and
Sciences and the University. In addition to this accolade, the
Environmental Studies Students Association established a bursary in
his name. Kevan Keating, President of the E.S.S.A. explains, "He is a
Professor that is dedicated to the education process, the students,
and their concerns."

McConnell has made numerous contributions to publications in the
field of Geography and Environmental Studies. In addition to being
an author, McConnell has contributed expositions, chapters, and
review articles to many publications, as well as written journal
papers and been an invited guest lecturer at over 25 conferences.

McConnell has contributed within the community as well, having
served on seven University related and 10 non-university related
Community Boards or Committees.

As a result, his colleagues have esteemed Prof. McConnell for his
contributions in academics, as well as the community. Prof. John A.
Mills of the Psychology Department states, "If teaching is broadly
construed as service to the community - of students, of one's
professional peers, of fellow academics, and of society at large, then
nobody deserves a Master Teacher Award more than John
McConnell."

Adds Dr. R.G.Williamson, Professor of Anthropology, "John is a person
of great humanity, keen intellect and serious devotion to his objects
of commitment...he has left a strong and honourable impact on this
University."

Much of McConnell's academic and scholarly work has been aimed at
research in Northern Canada, especially the boreal forest. In addition,
McConnell has contributed administratively through his desire to
create programs in which comprehensive and relevant knowledge is
brought to bear on a particular topic. His most noteworthy
achievement was his role in the creation of the Land Use and
Environmental Studies Program which he currently chairs.

Professor McConnell will receive the Master Teacher Award for 1999
at Spring Convocation ceremonies May 25th.

For more Information, contact:

Prof. John G. McConnell
Department of Geography
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5665