GLL recently learned that Barbara Heck, who has been teaching at OSU since the autumn of 2008, will receive the 2016 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer. Barb was informed of the honor on February 23 in a surprise visit to her German 3101 class by Provost Bruce McPheron, Executive Dean David Manderscheid, and Divisional Dean Peter Hahn.

Barb Heck has been an outstanding classroom presence in GLL since she first arrived at Ohio State. She has been cited for her exceptional abilities as an instructor and has been indispensible to GLL in mentoring new graduate students in teaching.

Barb’s regular teaching assignments include intermediate German courses as well as the upper-division sequence in German for the Professions. These courses build on the linguistic abilities of the lower division and develop proficiency in all areas of communication in German.

The evaluations Barb has received from her students are a steady litany of praise. Here are a few samples: ”Frau Heck is possibly the most interested teacher/professor I have ever had,” wrote one undergraduate. Another effused: “Frau Heck is an incredibly enthusiastic, approachable professor who always provides much needed help or feedback in a caring manner.” A third commented: “I have never met a professor who cares so much about her students and their ability to understand concepts and other topics.”

Outside the classroom Barb has been the departmental faculty advisor for the German Club and a regular participant at the weekly “Stammtisch,” where students at all levels practice their German in a non-classroom setting. She has been an active participant in events at the Max Kade German House and a tremendous asset for anyone who wants to further their knowledge of the German language.

The department is extremely proud and fortunate to have Barb as the mainstay of our intermediate courses and as a mentor and model for our graduate students. Her award is well deserved; faculty and graduate students alike join in congratulating her on the recognition of her outstanding dedication and performance.

The official ceremony for Barb and other award winners will occur on April 21st from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Wexner Center for the Arts.