Professor receives award for excellence

Biology Professor Richard Trout is recognized at the OCCC 2007 Spring Commencement Cere-mony held at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Photo by Jay Rocamontes

By Katie Jones, News Writing Student

The 2007 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to biology Professor Richard Trout at the graduation commencement ceremony May 18.

“I sat in the back for 17 years and finally won,” Trout said.

The President’s Award is presented to one faculty member every year. Criteria for winning include a high degree of professional experience and education, unique teaching methods and an overall passion for students and teaching.

OCCC President Paul Sechrist described Trout as “a model teacher and accomplished professional.”

Trout earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Oklahoma Christian University, a master’s degree in natural science from Oklahoma State University, his teaching certification from the University of Central Oklahoma, and has participated in advanced training at the University of Oklahoma’s Health Science Center.

Trout began working at OCCC in 1986 as an adjunct professor. At the time, he also was teaching at both Rose State College and UCO.

In 1990, Trout became a full-time professor. He said he plans to teach full time until he retires, which could be within the next five years.

“I enjoy being around the students,” Trout said. “They keep you young and on your toes.”

Trout has been nominated for the President’s Award more than a dozen times prior to winning this year.

Along with the award, each year’s winner receives a cash prize of $1,000.

Trout said he already has plans on how he would spend the prize money.

“I have a list, and my wife has a list. Maybe a big screen television, diving equipment, or some furniture for my daughter’s new apartment,” he said.

Outside the classroom, Trout is an accomplished author. He has a number of young adult books already published and is working on two more.

Trout said he credits his growth as a teacher to other OCCC professors including Biology Professor Dennis Anderson, Biology Professor Ron Scribner, former Biology Professor John Perry and Physical Science Professor Gary Houlette.

“I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.