As an institution of
higher learning, Appalachian State University focuses most of its
time and resources teaching its students.
Professors are one of the university’s primary
resources in providing students with an education.
During a banquet in Chapel Hill May 10, Dr. Rennie W. Brantz received
the Board of Governors’ Teaching Award, acknowledging his outstanding
contribution to educating students in the classroom.
Brantz serves both as a teacher and as an administrator at Appalachian
State. He is a professor in the Department of History and a Freshman
Seminar instructor, as well as director of the Freshman Seminar program.
After Brantz received nominations and prepared a portfolio of information,
Appalachian State’s teaching enhancement committee selected him
as the primary recipient of the Board of Governors award.
“It was a very pleasant surprise,” said Brantz. “I
am deeply honored to be recognized by my colleagues on this campus.”
The Board of Governors presented Brantz and each professor representing
the other 15 schools in the University of North Carolina System with
a medallion and an award of $7,500. Five other professors from Appalachian
State also received cash awards from the Board of Governors.
The Board of Governors sponsors this award in an effort to recognize
and encourage good teaching, said Brantz.
Brantz said Appalachian State has always focused on teaching as its
primary objective.
“The tax payers of this state are paying to have their kids educated,”
said Brantz. “There ought to be some attention to teaching.”
Brantz said he enjoys teaching and overloads his class schedule in
order to stay active in the classroom.
Emily R. Miller, a junior and sociology major, works with Brantz as
a peer leader for a freshman seminar class. She said Brantz draws
the interest of his classroom the moment he starts to teach.
“[Brantz] is one of the most remarkable teachers ever,”
said Miller.
Brantz also said he learns from his students because they bring unique
ideas and perspectives into the classroom.
Students in his Freshman Seminar class discussed the events of 9-11
and their feelings about the terrorist attacks last year.
“I think it’s important for [students] to have a chance
to voice their feelings,” said Brantz.
Brantz expressed the importance of this discussion to his students.
He said he felt his students learned from the diverse opinions and
feelings expressed in the discussion.
Brantz said he learned from opinions voiced in the discussion as well.
“I think I learned a little more about where people are,”
said Brantz.
Brantz said he felt education must touch every student. It should
arouse students’ abilities and encourage them to take charge
of their learning experiences.
Engaging students is the goal Brantz claimed for his work in the classroom.
He said he wanted to help his students move as far along in their
learning experiences as possible.
“The goal is to reach people … to help people come to understand
themselves and how they can make a difference,” said Brantz.
His role is only as a facilitator, helping students learn and realize
their full potential, said Brantz.
Brantz began his education as a history major at Doane College, a
small liberal arts school in Nebraska. Afterwards, he studied history
for a year at the University of Munich in Germany.
Brantz attended graduate school at Ohio State University, where he
studied German history.
After leaving Ohio State, Brantz began teaching in the Department
of History at Appalachian. His teaching focus is on the history of
Germany and the Holocaust.
Brantz took the position as director of the Freshman Seminar program
in 1990.
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