We are pleased to share the good news that John Knox has been granted Emeritus status by the Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees. This is a well-earned distinction for our colleague who has served the college and its students since the fall of 1972 with honor, including as the first-ever recipient of the Harry G. Wirtz Master Teacher Award.
There are a number of criteria for Emeritus status, according to VSC Policy 204. An Emeritus faculty is expected to have clear evidence of outstanding teaching, a recognized record of professional achievement and growth, and clear evidence of college service above and beyond expectations. As anyone that worked with John and students who learned from him know, he patently meets each criterion. John led the Mathematics department for decades. In that time, he was a pioneer in Vermont Interactive Television instruction of his subject and the first faculty member to teach using the technology, making him an early champion of accessible education. He also helped create the Summer Bridge Program to help students better succeed in the Engineering Technology programs.
When underscoring their recommendation for John’s Emeritus application, one peer suggested that it would be, “shorter to mention things John has not done than to list the service he has provided to the college.” John served on numerous taskforces, as an academic advisor, and Mathematics Department Chair. He worked repeatedly with Vermont’s high school teachers to discuss improving Math instruction to better prepare students for college.
As quoted from a peer recommendation, “[John] is dedicated to the success of students at Vermont Tech, to the success of his colleagues, and to the success of the institution. He is a model for all of us.”
Please join us in wishing a hearty congratulations to Professor Emeritus John Knox!