12:55 p.m., Feb. 16, 2009----Alan Fox, professor of philosophy, and director of the University of Delaware Honors Program, was recently recognized as one of 15 finalists for the Inspire Integrity Awards, a national award recognizing faculty members who have exemplified a high degree of personal and academic integrity, and who have inspired students to do the same.

THIS STORY

E-mail

Print

Twitter

The Inspire Integrity Awards are presented by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), which is a national honor society of high-achieving undergraduate students.

NSCS student members nominated faculty members from around the country whom they felt play a significant, supportive role in students' lives.

Fox was chosen among the nominees as a top national finalist and as such was asked to write an essay about his concept of integrity.

In his essay, Fox wrote, “In all cases, [integrity] refers to the strength of the individual's character and capacity for tolerance, which is their ability to withstand stress so as to remain intact.”

Fox said he tries to provide his students a sturdy foundation on which they may grow, learn, and develop their own sense of moral and intellectual integrity, which he refers to as “structural integrity.”

“Not only do I respect students' abilities to think for themselves, I demand it of them. I set high standards for students and more times than not, they meet them,” said Fox.

According to Stephen E. Loflin, executive director of NSCS, “The distinguished professors recognized through the Inspire Integrity Awards understand that in order for students to evolve into accomplished professionals and engaged citizens, they must pursue their ambitions ethically and honorably. These educators impart the lessons, wisdom, and guidance that encourage students to develop that kind of character.”

Fox's confidence in students and the self-sufficiency students find through his approach to teaching earned him recognition as an inspiring educator, according to NSCS.

Article by Blair Lee