Tammy McEwen, division chair of natural sciences and mathematics, and professor of biology, was named the recipient of the Charles H. and Verda R. Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching during Southwestern College Commencement exercises Sunday, May 4. The Kopkes established the award in order to honor outstanding faculty members. 

McEwen began at Southwestern College in August of 2011.  She teaches biology, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology 1, 50 shades of green, and medical terminology.  She also advises pre-health professionals and supports students in a myriad of ways by attending competitions and performances.

McEwen, the keynote speaker at Commencement, expressed her gratitude for the honor.

“It is truly a great honor to be named as the recipient of the Kopke award,” McEwen said.  “It is indeed gratifying to be recognized for doing a job about which I am passionate, and I am humbled to be considered in the same category with previous recipients. I truly appreciate the generosity of the Kopkes and am so proud to work at SC, an institution that values teaching. It is a great honor to be able to witness the development, growth, and success of students that you actually know.” 

In her introduction, Southwestern College President Elizabeth Frombgen shared that McEwen is always available for her students.  

“She (McEwen) engages students and motivates them to seek out new ideas. She presses them to consider innovative ways to problem solve and she invites them to regularly question and test assumptions.  For all of these reasons students both respect and love Dr. McEwen,” Frombgen says. “She is known for her consistent assessment and revision of her courses to make sure she is doing everything she can to ensure that her students are well-prepared for success in graduate school and in their careers.  She sees each student’s success as her mission and personal responsibility.  Her dedication to Southwestern and the values that we hold as an institution are evident in the leadership and service she provides - Dr. McEwen makes a difference at this college.”

McEwen earned her bachelor of science degree in biology education and a master’s degree in biology from Pittsburg State University and her Ph.D. in molecular microbiology and immunology from the University of Missouri. Prior to earning her master’s degree, McEwen taught high school biology at Altoona-Midway High School in Buffalo, Kan., and spent her summers as a graduate assistant teaching for Pittsburg State University and was adjunct faculty at Neosho County Community College.