For immediate release: May 7, 2008

BLOOMSBURG — Two Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania faculty members were selected for the 2008 Teaching and Learning Enchancement (TALE) Outstanding Teaching award. Jennifer Stotter, assistant professor of sociology, social work and criminal justice, and Margie Eckroth-Bucher, associate professor of nursing, will be recognized for their outstanding teaching at BU’s undergraduate spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 10. Winners were nominated by May graduates.

Stotter was nominated for her “motivating and strengths-based” teaching style, which inspires her students to “take a stand, make a difference and have a voice.” As a social work professor, Stotter is recognized for her ability to engage her students in critical thinking, to encourage them to “complete assignments professionally and with pride” and to become “involved with community and national events.” According to one nomination, Stotter “explains difficult theories in a way that everyone can understand and pushes students to think outside the box. This professor is a true believer in what she teaches and is an inspiration to everyone she encounters.” Stotter will be recognized at the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony for students in the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Technology.

Eckroth-Bucher was nominated for her ability to inspire her students to recognize and understand the needs of patients who have mental health challenges. According to one nomination, Eckroth-Bucher “has shared experiences and insight into this specialty from her many years of practice to allow the students to gain a greater perspective into this field. Along with varied teaching strategies, she uses real life examples.” Another nomination said, “She is the epitome of what a nurse should be: professional, caring, a teacher, an advocate and a listener.” Eckroth-Bucher will be recognized at the 3 p.m. commencement ceremony for students from the College of Professional Studies and the College of Business.

Stotter and Eckroth-Bucher will receive $750 professional development stipends, sponsored by the BU Foundation, and plaques recognizing their achievement.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 8,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Professional Studies, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.