News Releases

Progressive School of Business educators nominated for HOPE Award

School of Business professors Kelly Welch and Mark Haug

School of Business professors Kelly Welch and Mark Haug

Monday, December 7, 2009

BY WAYNE LARSON

"Seeing the light bulb go on in a student's head is what I enjoy most about teaching," said Professor Kelly Welch. "When I teach I am totally absorbed in the material and my students," said Professor Mark Haug. These two teaching scenarios got both Haug and Welch nominated for the 2009 HOPE Awards.

Both KU School of Business Teaching Fellows were two of the six teachers nominated for the HOPE Award this year. The HOPE award nominees are chosen exclusively by senior students. HOPE stands for Honor for an Outstanding Progressive Educator, and Haug and Welch have done just that according to KU seniors.

Haug and Welch admitted to being surprised by the nominations and also agreed it was a great honor because the nomination is from students only. "The student recognition is very important," said Welch.

Haug also enjoyed some of the extra perks that came with the nomination. "I was able to bring my family and father to the private reception, as well as one of my sons to the football game," said Haug. He was also nominated for the award in 2004 and 2005.

Welch has taught at the School since 1997 and specializes in teaching investment analysis, business valuation and finance. Haug has been a faculty member since 1995 and teaches business law and decision science courses.

Welch is very happy with what he is doing and enjoys interacting with his students in class. "I like to Ôcold call' my students in class," said Welch. He is able to call on any student in his classroom on a whim because he knows everyone's name by the fourth week of classes. "Engaging with the students is a thrill to me. It's what I enjoy most."


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