Waynesburg University honored three faculty members Tuesday, March 25, with the 2025 Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence Awards during the annual Charter Day celebration in Roberts Chapel.
This year’s Charter Day commemorated the 175th anniversary of Waynesburg University’s charter by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Lucas-Hathaway Awards recognize faculty in three categories: Excellence in Teaching by Part-Time Faculty, Excellence in Introductory Subjects and History of Teaching Excellence.
Interim Provost Mindy Walls presented the awards during the service.
Excellence in Teaching by Part-Time Faculty
Cristy Wise, part-time lecturer of Biblical and Ministry Studies, received the Excellence in Teaching by Part-Time Faculty Award, which is presented to a non-full-time faculty member of Waynesburg University who teaches on campus or online.
Nominations for Wise reflected on her investment in student success and approachable teaching methods. One nomination stated Wise “is the definition of consistency, making class accessible to all students while providing them with sound instruction.”
Another nomination remarked on her helpful feedback, saying she “gave me some of the best feedback I ever received on my papers and assignments. Every comment made was meaningful and heartfelt.”
Wise earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Waynesburg College and her Master of Education from California University of Pennsylvania. She is a Permanent Certified Lay Minister from the American Baptist Church Leadership Institute of Western Pennsylvania.
Excellence in Introductory Subjects
Chaley Knight, instructor of psychology, received the Excellence in Introductory Subjects, which is presented to a faculty member with excellence in teaching introductory courses.
“Whether it is providing extra office hours, mentoring for research opportunities or offering personalized feedback, this professor has created a supporting learning environment where students feel valued and understood,” shared one nomination.
“My favorite thing about this professor is how she keeps everything focused on God. This is reflected in her teaching and how she treats everyone around her. She is a blessing to have on campus,” stated another.
Knight earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Waynesburg College, her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Waynesburg University and is a doctoral candidate in Waynesburg University’s Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Program.
History of Teaching Excellence
Dr. William Batchelder, associate professor of history and director of the Honors Program, received the History of Teaching Excellence Award, which is presented to a faculty member who has exhibited a history of excellence in teaching.
One student nomination read shared, “This professor has invested a lot of time and focus on me as a student. His constructive feedback on papers has made me a much better writer. He guided me on how to approach writing a 50-page research paper. Without his mentorship, I would not have produced nearly the quality paper that I did. I feel much more prepared for my graduate work because I had him as a professor and an advisor.”
Other nominations echoed his willingness to go “far beyond any professor” to help students learn, with one sharing he is “considered by many students to be the best lecturer on campus.”
Dr. Batchelder earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Grove City College, his Master of Arts in History from The Ohio State University, his Master of Arts in English and Medieval History from University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and his Ph.D. in History from The Ohio State University.
