Kristen Mitchell, The Ohio State University
ASA Fellow Rebecca Andridge, professor and associate dean for undergraduate studies, received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching at The Ohio State University for her dedication to student learning and innovative approaches to online teaching.
College of Public Health Dean Paula Song; Helen Malone, vice provost for academic policy and faculty resources; and Laurel Van Dromme, strategic planning consultant for The Ohio State University Alumni Association, surprised Andridge with the news during the college’s March faculty meeting.
Andridge’s consistency and commitment to student learning have had a tremendous influence on the college, Song said. “I can remember when I was an assistant professor and starting out and struggling with my own teaching. Rebecca was a model, and I would hear from students how well she would teach a difficult subject, which made me realize I needed to step up my game.”
Andridge has been instrumental in developing online courses for the division of biostatistics and foundational courses for all public health students, her nomination letter said. While teaching asynchronously, she engages students to be active participants in their learning through interactive quizzes, weekly learning check-ins, and prompt discussion board replies. She quickly responds to questions from students, creating slides and recording short videos to clarify challenging concepts.
“While she is not interacting ‘live’ with students, these videos served to make students feel seen/heard,” her nomination letter said.
Andridge’s student evaluations have been consistently high, citing her efficient organization, passion for teaching, and sincere care for students.
“Tuition costs may be high, but Professor Andridge gave me a class that was worth every dollar,” one student wrote. “I know she’s already won awards, but give her more!”
Up to 10 faculty members are recognized annually with the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, based on nominations by students, faculty, and alumni. Professor Eric Seiber, from the division of health services management and policy, received the award in 2022.
Andridge and other honorees will receive a $5,000 honorarium and an increase of $1,200 to their base salary. Awardees are also inducted into Ohio State’s Academy of Teaching. Andridge has been at OSU since 2009 and received the CPH Excellence in Teaching Award in 2011.
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