Dr. Daniel Erb, High Point University’s provost, presented the Extraordinary Leadership Award to Dr. Bryan Vescio, professor and chair of the Department of English.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 29, 2024 – Three special awards were recently presented to High Point University faculty members when the fall 2024 semester began.
In 2018, HPU President Nido Qubein commissioned the establishment of these annual faculty awards: the Extraordinary Leadership Award, the Innovation and Creativity in Teaching Award and the Spirit of High Point University Award. The recipient of each award receives a plaque and $5,000 cash award.
Extraordinary Leadership Award
The Extraordinary Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Bryan Vescio, professor and chair of the Department of English. This award recognizes an HPU faculty member who has provided extraordinary leadership contributions that advance the excellence of the university in innovative programs, university service, scholarly work and creative expression.
Vescio has shown tireless dedication as a teacher-scholar and mentor while making distinctive contributions to enhancing student outcomes, the quality of undergraduate curricula and HPU’s academic reputation. Since joining the university in 2015, he has provided strong leadership for the Department of English and actively contributed to numerous university-wide committees, including the Phi Beta Kappa Steering Committee, Executive Committee and Global Studies Committee. Vescio’s effectiveness as a leader also has been evident in his many years of service as chair of the Academic Planning and Intercollegiate Review Committee (APIRC).
“I try hard to be the kind of leader who focuses on doing his job and getting results rather than attention or accolades, but I have to admit that being recognized for my efforts is very gratifying, especially when that recognition comes from the valued colleagues with whom I’ve been so privileged to work during my time at HPU,” said Vescio.“It means a lot more to me than any honor or award I’ve ever received before.”
Drawing on his knowledge of modern American literature and aesthetics, Vescio has taught 10 different undergraduate courses since arriving at HPU. He also has contributed multiple book chapters and presented his scholarship at national conferences. Above and beyond his classroom teaching, he makes time to meet with students to discuss their interests and future plans. He is described as an “extraordinary mentor” and the “model of a leader.”
Innovation and Creativity in Teaching Award
The Innovation and Creativity in Teaching Award was presented to Scott Raynor, professor and chair of the Department of Art and Graphic Design. This award recognizes an individual who exhibits traits such as the creation of a unique body of research, art, design, animation, video or photography using divergent thinking, imagination and risk taking. The recipient models innovation in the classroom by putting curiosity, problem solving, critical thinking, deep understanding and creative brainstorming at the center of the course curriculum and classroom practice.
“This is my 25th year of teaching art, and I have always worked hard to constantly improve and reinvent my classroom and teaching,” said Raynor. “The idea of being student-centered drives my classroom interactions, and I have adopted the use of technology and social media to find common ground with my students.”
Some examples of Raynor’s innovative and creative approach to learning include his use of gamification and social media as a creative tool to engage students in learning. His “Hack the Met” activity, based on the idea of rethinking how students experience a great museum like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was recognized by staff at the Met. It was featured on the Instagram account of museum influencer “themetwanderer,” who said, “In all my years, I’ve never seen young people more engaged with the museum.” Another example of an engaging student exercise using technology is Raynor’s “Murder in the Met” activity in which students solve a mystery and discover works of art. An earlier example of his creative approach to teaching involved creating TikTok videos featuring lessons in art instruction and discussions of art history. These videos resulted in more than 40,000 unique followers internationally and connected not only with HPU students but others around the world.
“Our students are constantly evolving and changing,” said Raynor. “As a faculty member, I find I have to be proactive in finding strategies in my classes to connect. Art students are creative, enthusiastic and sensitive souls. My students are often creating works of art that explore their passions and vulnerabilities. I use all my creativity in my classroom to work with all these unique variations.”
Raynor said he was honored to be recognized by students and his colleagues, who are more student-focused than faculty he taught with previously at other schools.
“As an art student, I struggled with self-doubt and people-pleasing behaviors that often led to boring art and a sense of defeat,” one student wrote. “Mr. Raynor taught me how to chunk a massive art concept into manageable learning. Personally speaking, I learned how to let things go and embrace the mess. I found joy in creating art.”
Spirit of High Point University Award
The Spirit of High Point University Award was presented to Dr. Christopher Franks, the Owen D. and Mattie Holt McPherson Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy. This award is intended for a faculty member who exemplifies and aligns his or her value and belief system in accordance with the university and its historic relationship with the United Methodist Church and the university community, and who is an active member and leader who demonstrates Christian values and beliefs. This faculty member leads by example and encourages colleagues and students to have a deeper understanding and expression of his or her faith found in Jesus Christ.
“I love what this award celebrates, so I’m delighted that fellow faculty think of my work in those terms,” said Franks. “I can’t imagine my work without the contributions of so many amazing colleagues. I’m grateful to be part of a team pursuing such meaningful goals.”
In the classroom at HPU since 2003, Franks has taught a variety of theology and ethics courses that expose students to the academic study of Christianity and Christian thought. He exemplifies his faith in his day-to-day devotion and embodies his Christian values through interactions with others. Known as an outstanding mentor, educator, colleague and friend, Franks strives to be inclusive, whether in collaboration within the department or teaching students. One of his research specialties is Christian theologian St. Thomas Aquinas. Students have said Franks is able to spark their interest in Christianity and Christian thinkers.
Outside the classroom on campus, Franks leads the pre-ministerial program, now also known as the FOCUS program. He advises and mentors students from across the university who plan to pursue ministry after graduation. He organizes pre-ministry fairs and ensures students find the right ministry opportunity for them. For FOCUS, he regularly devotes Friday afternoons to meeting with students to discuss books and topics in Christianity, and he often devotes his school breaks to leading students in off-campus trips and pilgrimages. Partnering with HPU Chapel, he has travelled with students to retreats in Asheville, North Carolina, during fall break. He also has journeyed with students to follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul in Athens, Greece, during spring break. In addition, as an ordained minister with the United Methodist Church, Franks can often be found preaching at weekly Chapel services and offering the invocation at university events. He has been described as a true Christian servant who exemplifies moral virtue, practical prudence and theoretical wisdom.
