Professor Robert Withycombe of the rhetoric and film studies department was named the Washington State Professor of the Year by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) on Nov. 19. The award is given annually, but this is only the second time that Whitman has nominated a professor to receive it. Keith Ferrington of the Sociology department was nominated and received the award in 1992.
“The award serves as recognition for the very high quality of teaching that happens day in and day out at Whitman,” said President George Bridges, who flew out to Washington D.C. to be with Withycombe as he was honored.
A professor since 1980, Withycombe has reached over hundreds of students and been a contributing member of the Whitman community through his administrative work, his work with the Whitman speech and debate team and his classroom teaching.
Despite the recognition, Withycombe is both humble and appreciative.
“I am very willing to admit that there are people on this campus who do extraordinary things every day,” he said. “I don’t want to be put apart from that group, I want to be a part of that group . . . of hardworking teachers who do interesting, difficult, thoughtful things on a daily basis.”
While the recognition above thousands of other professors in Washington is nice, Withycombe said the greatest result of his award was the response he received from past and current students.
The same day that Withycombe received his award, Whitman’s communications department posted an article online.
“Within the speed of light my cell phone buzzed with letters from former students. There was this weird undertone of a very busy beehive. It was bizarre and awfully sweet,” said Withycombe.
Senior Morgan Wynne, currently in Withycombe’s rhetoric and film class, agreed wholeheartedly that he was worthy of the award.
“He’s a fascinating professor and really open to students,” she said.
Senior Ellie Klein agreed.
“He’s really good with discussions and he makes me feel like what I have to say matters. He starts every class with ‘what’s new in the world,’ which is great,” said Klein.
By mixing lectures, PowerPoints and discussions, Withycombe has inspired many students.
“What is so impressive about [Withycombe], and many other Whitman professors, is that his students from decades ago still visit him, consider him a close friend and seek his advice,” said Bridges.
The nomination process required multiple recommendations and letters prepared by Bridges as well as former Provost and Dean of Faculty Lori Bettison-Varga. The two collected letters from past students and put together a resume.
“I sort of forgot about it,” said Withycombe. “Then, in mid-October, I received a very nice two paragraph note saying I was selected.”
The recognition is both a reflection of Withycombe’s dedication to education, which can be seen in the response from his students.
“It has been particularly nice to connect with, and reconnect with, a whole group of former students,” said Withycombe.
