
AMES, Iowa – Kevin Schalinske, an Iowa State University food science and human nutrition professor, was named one of five 2019 regional winners of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Agriculture Sciences Excellence in Teaching Awards.
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities presented the award at the 132nd Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU) annual meeting on Nov. 11 in San Diego.
For 20 years Schalinske has mentored students at Iowa State in both the classroom and laboratory settings. His teaching philosophy is built on respect for students, establishing an inclusive and safe environment and encouraging engagement and inquisitiveness. He also uses real-life examples to integrate critical thinking into his curriculum.
Schalinske has served as a faculty and teaching mentor within and outside his department. He has received several college and university awards and was recently named the 2019 recipient of an ISU award recognizing graduate student mentoring.
Schalinske’s research is focused on understanding methyl group metabolism in health and disease, which is funded by federal, foundation and commodity agencies. He has served as an Iowa State Faculty Senate President and is currently serving as an associate editor for The Journal of Nutrition.
Schalinske earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has had 10 other recipients who received USDA teaching awards during the past 13 years:
- Steven Lonergan, animal science professor, received a 2018 national U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Agriculture Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award.
- Ann Marie VanDerZanden, associate provost for academic programs and horticulture professor, received the national excellence teaching award in 2017.
- Curtis Youngs, animal science professor, received a regional award in 2014.
- Mike Retallick, agricultural and life sciences education professor, received a new teacher award.
- Lee Burras, agronomy professor, received a regional award in 2011.
- Doug Kenealy, professor emeritus of animal science, received a national award in 2009.
- Dick Schultz, natural resource ecology and management University Professor, received a regional award in 2008.
- Amy Kaleita, agricultural and biosystems engineering professor, received a new teacher award in 2007.
- Gail Nonnecke, University Professor in horticulture, received a national award in 2006.
- Jim Kliebenstein, professor emeritus in economics, received a regional award in 2006.
The awards program began in 1992 and recognizes outstanding college professors of agriculture, natural resources, veterinary and human sciences. The selection committee includes nationally recognized teachers and scholars who choose two national recipients, two early career awardees and five regional awardees.