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News Release

Last modified: Friday, April 22, 2011

IU Maurer School of Law presents annual teaching awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Three Indiana University Maurer School of Law faculty members and one adjunct professor were honored April 18 with prestigious teaching awards from the law school. They are:

• Kevin Brown, Richard S. Melvin Professor of Law
• Daniel Conkle, Robert H. McKinney Professor of Law and adjunct professor of religious studies
• M. Donna Nagy, C. Ben Dutton Professor of Law
• Judge Nancy Vaidik, adjunct professor of law

Conkle and Nagy were each presented with Trustees Teaching Awards; Brown was honored with the Leon H. Wallace Teaching Award; and Judge Vaidik was named the recipient of the Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award.

"Excellent teaching is a core commitment of our school, and honoring those who have been extraordinary teachers is an important way to recognize our commitment," said dean and Val Nolan Professor of Law Lauren Robel, who presented the awards.

Named for the law school's former dean, the Leon H. Wallace Teaching Award is the highest teaching honor given to IU Maurer School of Law faculty. Brown was praised not only for his torts class, but also for his class on law and education and on race, American society, and the law. Brown's impact extends beyond the classroom, including inviting students to accompany him to India to a conference addressing issues studied in class. "It's very rewarding to work with our students, and to watch them grow and mature in their skills and competencies after they graduate," he said.

Conkle was lauded for his command not only of constitutional law, but also of the Socratic method. He also earned praise for his ability to treat both sides of controversial issues fairly. "It's a special thing to be able to teach, and to be given award for something that's so enjoyable and rewarding," Conkle said.

Nagy was cited for her ability to break down complex, intricate areas of the law of corporations and securities through a probing, collegial method that encourages creative problem-solving. "It's wonderful to be part of a school with students and colleagues that value teaching so much," she commented.

Vaidik, an Indiana Court of Appeals judge who teaches trial advocacy, was cited for insightful comments on each student's performance during class, and for her constructive, impartial, and "extremely helpful" feedback. "It's an honor and privilege just to teach here," Vaidik said. "The students are unbelievably willing to learn and come to class extremely well prepared."

Award winners were chosen by a special committee of students who made their recommendations to the dean.

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