Each institution nominates one faculty member annually for the award. In mid-February a selection committee of representatives from five Presidents Council universities will select from the nominations three faculty to receive the award.
An awards ceremony in April will recognize all nominated faculty and announce the three Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year honorees. Each nominee will receive a special Presidents Council plaque and the three honorees will receive a $3,000 cash award, funded by the Presidents Council.
In the required provost letter of endorsement, Gayle Davis credits Luttenton with thoroughly engaging students, even those for whom science may not previously have held much interest.
"He is famous for his energy, creativity and innovation, using the field to inspire undergraduates to learn how to think, establish their own priorities and reach beyond the limitations of their experience to achieve excellence," said Davis.
Luttenton was also recognized for integrating his teaching with his research and involving, mentoring and motivating undergraduates as partners with him in various research projects.
"In this way, Dr. Luttenton not only models excellent professional behavior to undergraduate students, but is also a model for newly appointed tenure track professors, some of whom see their research as both separate from teaching and the more important area of work," said Davis.
Luttenton, who has been a member of the Grand Valley faculty since 1989, received the Outstanding Educator Award at the spring, 2006 commencement.
