Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service – David Barry, sociology and social work
At UW-Stevens Point, faculty members are expected to contribute in three critical dimensions: teaching, scholarship and service. When a student's work encompasses all three areas, the result is especially gratifying for their faculty mentor. David Barry, an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Work, recently had such an experience.
"A student intern I placed with the Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners organization conducted program evaluation and presented her findings at the Wisconsin Sociological Association annual conference," said Barry. "This kind of work highlights my approach to my profession, the university community and the way that engaged teaching, informed research and community collaboration can intersect – a fundamental mission for the university."
Barry is the 2021 recipient of the UW-Stevens Point Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service Award. Since joining the university in 2013, Barry has demonstrated he is an incredibly well-rounded faculty member and a strong leader who is well liked by students and admired by peers.
As a teacher, Barry continues to expand and develop his repertoire. He has taught a variety of classes, from first-year seminars to Honors courses to courses at the Wausau and Marshfield campuses. Barry has received multiple grants for teaching-related enhancement and participated in nationally competitive teaching workshops such as Faculty College and the Institute on Poverty Research.
Participation in the sociology internship program has doubled in the past five years. Barry's role as internship coordinator has extended opportunities for both independent and student collaborations in program evaluation and assessment for local community organizations such as United Way, Cycling Without Age and CREATE Portage County. His students are actively engaged in research, presenting in venues across campus and the state.
While teaching is his top priority, Barry sustains rigorous research. This includes publications in top peer-reviewed journals in sociology, academic conference presentations and multiple research collaborations with faculty, students and commnity organizations.
Barry's service efforts have taken a variety of forms. He leads a multi-day trip to Chicago to study urban diversity, environmental justice and gentrification, a significant experiential learning for students. He has served as member or chair of numerous committees within his department and the College of Letters and Science, as well as the Wisconsin Sociological Association. Barry has also presented at the Community Lecture Series, delivered guest speaking engagements for local high school student organizations and organized career development events for students with regional professionals in the field.
"David's commitment to education stems far beyond the classroom as a teacher," says Amy Wiza, executive director of Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners. "He has a real sensitivity to people and their needs. He is a warm person who is always approachable, ready to assist and – most importantly – has done so in a manner that lends support and respect to people. David has so willingly shared his time and expertise to make sure each student has experiences that will support and enhance their future careers."
See also:
Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award - Tina Rajski
Excellence in Teaching Award - Lauren Gantz, Kyle Herrman, Kate Kipp, Erin Speetzen
University Scholar Award - Chris Diehm, Alex Ingersoll
University Service Award - Jennifer Collins, Shelly Janowski, Kathryn McGarry
Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award - Lisa Golda
Outstanding Work Performance Award - Janette Baumann, Corinna Neeb, Lisa Nelson, Heather Springer
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