James E. Privett, a USC Sumter chemistry and physics professor, has been named a 2006 Governor's Professor of the Year.

S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford announced the selection at a special press conference held at the South Carolina Statehouse Nov. 2. Privett is one of only two chosen to receive the award this year; Winthrop University's C. Angela Letourneau, a professor of accounting, finance, and economics, is also a recipient.

For Privett, history has repeated itself, over and over and over again. His dedication to not only his field but also to his students has earned Privett praise and loyalty from students who credit him for their own academic success. He has established an outstanding record in teaching, professional development, and service to his campus and state that is evident year after year.

Professors are often judged by their published materials, research accolades, and other academic and professional achievements, but it is the students who reap the benefits of their knowledge. In Privett's case, it was the students who selected him as USC Sumter's Student Government Association Teacher of the Year seven times (1990-91, 1991-92, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1998-99, 2001-02, and 2003-04). In addition, he won the Distinguished Teaching Award for South Carolina Regional Campuses twice (1990-91, 1991-92) before it was discontinued after 1992. He was presented with the Hugh T. Stoddard Sr., Award in 1991 as the overall outstanding faculty member at USC Sumter. In 1994, his outstanding teaching was recognized with a certificate from the South Carolina House of Representatives. In November 2005, the South Carolina Science Council honored him with the Dori Helms Award, which is given to an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the education of South Carolina's science teachers.

Privett joined USC Sumter's full-time faculty in 1990 after having taught evening classes at the university in a part-time capacity while employed as a high school chemistry and physics teacher. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Privett earned his M.S. degree in organic chemistry and his Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from Purdue University. Before coming to Sumter, he taught at Purdue University, Franklin College, Defiance College, Briar Cliff College and Riyadh University, Saudi Arabia.

Privett has taken 52 graduate credits in the area of educational research and measurement at USC to help him continue to improve his teaching; he has attended a variety of workshops to help him prepare teaching materials. As part of his professional development, he attended an NSF course "Promoting Active Learning in Introductory Physics Courses" and a workshop in Washington, DC, "Lead-Scientist Institute on Systematic Reform of K-8 Science Education." He has taken additional courses, attended many workshops and performed other duties while teaching an overload every semester in courses with large enrollments.

Privett has performed extensive public service through his work with the South Carolina Academy of Science (SCAS), the South Carolina Jr. Academy of Science (SCJAS), and the Middle Elementary School Academy of Science (MESAS). He became the state judging coordinator for the South Carolina Jr. Academy of Science in 1992 and served in that role until 2003.

11/06