Photo by Mark Simons

Under Christine Wilson’s guidance, enrollment in the Ag Econ Honors Program has increased from two students per year to 19.

Excellence in teaching has been a calling card of Christine Wilson’s since she joined Purdue’s agricultural economics faculty in 2001.

Her recognition as one of the six 2008 recipients of the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award in Memory of Charles B. Murphy is only the latest evidence of her skill. The Murphy Award is the university’s highest undergraduate teaching honor, and it is accompanied by $10,000 and induction into Purdue’s Teaching Academy.

“Christine has had a very positive impact on our students and our department,” says Sally Thompson, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics. “Through her excellent classroom teaching, advising, mentorship, and leadership of our honors program, she has been key to continued growth and vitality of our instructional program.”

Wilson’s brief Purdue career has been highlighted by a fellowship in the Teaching Academy in 2006, the Richard L. Kohls Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award from the College of Agriculture, and three Outstanding Teacher Awards from her department.

Student evaluations point out that Wilson, an associate professor, uses a creative teaching technique, combining various methods to facilitate student learning.

“She sets the bar high for student assignments, encouraging creativity and thoroughness in each assignment,” says Megan Sheely, who graduated in May. “She has challenged me, counseled me, and helped me grow as a student and as a person.”

Wilson’s faculty colleague, Otto C. Doering, president of the American Agricultural Economics Association, says: “What impresses me is the admiration and excellent ratings that she gets from students while also being very demanding.

“Her standards are very high. Students understand this, either make the grade or fail to do so, and continue to give her high marks. She is popular with students, but the high ratings she gets are not the result of a popularity contest.”

As coordinator of the Agricultural Economics Honors Program, Wilson created a course to help students launch their honors research projects.

“As teachers we have the opportunity to impact students, make a difference and change lives,” she says. “Two of life’s greatest rewards are helping others and learning something new, and as professors we have the opportunity to do both.

“When I am able to hold the attention of a class, see them actively listening, and get them actively engaged in discussion, it energizes me and it is rewarding.

“When students come by my office just to say hi or thank you, come back to visit or send e-mail after they have graduated, I know I have done something that mattered to them.”

Contact Wilson at wilson1@purdue.edu