Dr. Rick Mowrey (Division Chair, Division of Natural Science, Bob Jones University), Dr. Brian S. Vogt (Bob Jones University award recipient), Willis Cantey (Chair, SCICU Board of Trustees) and Dr. David Gardenghi (Department Head, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Bob Jones University)
GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 10, 2024) – Dr. Brian Vogt, Division of Natural Science faculty, is the 2024 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award recipient for Bob Jones University. He was recognized, along with honorees from each of SCICU’s member institutions, on Tuesday, April 9, in Columbia, South Carolina.
Vogt earned a BS in biology from BJU in 1979 and a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Florida in 1983. A member of the BJU faculty for over 40 years, he has taught a wide variety of lecture and laboratory classes on all levels of undergraduate chemistry training.
He is particularly passionate about the key role laboratory experiences play in learning chemistry and has written laboratory manuals tailored specifically to the BJU general chemistry and organic chemistry courses. He also designed the laboratory curricula for physical chemistry and biochemistry.
In course evaluations, one student commented, “Dr. Vogt is absolutely fantastic! He’s clear in his explanations, intentional in his assignments and genuine in his care for his students.”
Vogt has been pivotal in acquiring, deploying, and maintaining some of the most significant instrumentation in the Chemistry Department laboratory, including BJU’s nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, infrared spectrometer and atomic absorption spectrometer.
In nominating him, one colleague commented, “He has improved every aspect of our laboratory implementation for the students — in every chemistry class. He has acted as a mentor to me personally, and perhaps most of the chemistry students who have passed through our doors.”
Vogt was selected by his colleagues due to his innovation, mentorship, excellence and reputation as an engaging master teacher. He is one of the lead faculty members in the Summer Institute in Teaching Science, which is conducted on the BJU campus. He spent seven summers performing research in various contexts away from campus, including five summers working as a civilian for the U.S. Air Force. That work led to U.S. patent 5,652,810 “Fiber Optic Sensor for Site Monitoring” which lists him as a co-inventor.
Another colleague commented, “Brian has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching over many years. He is a tireless advocate and supporter of student success while also nurturing and supporting the development of his colleagues.”
Over 150 guests, including campus leaders and state legislators, gathered to honor recipients at the annual Excellence in Teaching Award dinner. Each honoree was presented with a framed award certificate and a $3,000 professional development grant.
“At SCICU, we’re honored to recognize our campuses’ deep commitment to their students, embodied by these exemplary educators,” said Dr. Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO. “Faculty members don’t often have the chance to be honored in the presence of families and friends. We’re always delighted to provide that opportunity.”
This year marks nearly two decades of Excellence In Teaching faculty awards. For a complete list of winners and event sponsors, visit the SCICU website.
