Teacher of the Year 2005-2006
Name: Gary Fairchild
Department: Food and Resource Economics
College: Agricultural and Life Sciences
Rank: Professor
Years at UF: 35
Year and Institution of Ph.D.: Texas A&M University, 1971
Activities that led to award:
Dr. Gary Fairchild teaches two graduate and five-six undergraduate classes per year. His courses are among the most challenging, yet his student evaluations are consistently among the highest, in his department. Peers describe him as an outstanding teacher with an uncommonly effective classroom style who inspires students to achieve their best. His unique combination of enthusiasm, energy and humor motivates students to care about what they learn, not only in his courses, but throughout life.
Gary is known for his insight and foresight. He does not take the easy road, which also makes him special. He finds new challenges, new subjects and new issues to address, developing five new courses. Gary has a gregarious personality, an optimistic outlook and an unbounded sense of humor. He is one of those rare individuals who makes everyone around him better at what they do, both students and faculty.
Dr. Fairchild is a recognized leader in his profession. He chairs, organizes, presents, and publishes on teaching issues. At UF, he has chaired committees on program development, peer evaluation, College-TIP selection and other curricular issues; advised department and college clubs and councils; mentored junior faculty; and served on the University Center for Excellence in Teaching advisory board.
