Longtime dance instructor Susan Anderson Earns university’s highest teaching award

Susan Anderson, professor of dance and artistic director of the University of South Carolina Dance Program, received the Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor Award, the university’s highest teaching honor and most prestigious faculty award, Thursday, April 23, at the annual Faculty Awards Ceremony.

Anderson, the first Mungo winner from the liberal arts in 11 years, becomes the very first faculty member from the performing arts to receive the award since it was instituted in 1957.

“Professor Anderson is the consummate teacher,” wrote Dr. Mila Parrish, associate professor in the department of theatre & dance and head of dance education, in her letter of nomination. “She loves to teach. . . . Inspirational, dedicated, understanding, and compassionate mentor are just a few words I could use to describe her relationship with her students.”

Dr. Rich Showman, a former Mungo winner and chairman of the nominating committee, said, “The committee was very supportive of Susan with a very solid majority supporting her. I am glad to see a female humanities faculty colleague win the award, but even more pleased to see such a deserving individual rise to the top.”

A number of students wrote glowing testimonials on behalf of Anderson. “As I reflect on my time here at Carolina,” wrote one senior, “there is no period when Professor Anderson’s influence was not prominent. . . . I have never known another teacher to be as active and engaged with her students as Professor Anderson. . . . Instead of producing one or two performances a year, as is the case with many other state university dance programs, Professor Anderson produces at least five performances a year. These shows allow students to increase not only their stage experiences (essential to the development of future artists), but also their self-confidence and artistry.”

“She takes it upon herself to make attending the university as financially feasible as possible for her students, seeking out scholarship money wherever possible,” wrote another senior. “During my first year, I did not go a single week without Professor Anderson checking in to make sure I was happy with the program.”

Anderson joined the university in 1975 as artistic director of the dance program and has held that title ever since. During her tenure, she has founded the S. C. Summer Dance Conservatory and co-founded the S.C. Summer Dance Institute. She has performed and trained with prominent dance companies in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as Russia and Italy.

The Mungo Award, previously known as the Amoco Teaching Award, goes to an outstanding teacher in undergraduate courses. Nominations may come from students, faculty members, administrators and alumni. A selection committee comprising undergraduates and former Mungo winners evaluates the nominations and determines the list of finalists, who are interviewed and observed in their teaching environment.

Other awards recipients at Thursday’s ceremony included the following:

Ada B. Thomas Outstanding Faculty Advisor -- John M. Grady (Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management)

Russell Research Award for Humanities and Social Sciences -- Nicholas Vazsonyi (Languages, Literatures & Cultures)

Russell Research Award for Science, Mathematics and Engineering -- M. Hanif Chaudhry (Civil & Environmental Engineering)

Educational Foundation Research Award for Health Sciences -- J. Mark Davis (Exercise Science)

Educational Foundation Research Award for Humanities and Social Sciences -- Thomas M. Lekan (History)

Educational Foundation Research Award for Science, Mathematics and Engineering -- Stanley M. Angel (Chemistry & Biochemistry)

Educational Foundation Outstanding Service Award -- James R. Augustine (Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience)

Carolina Trustee Professorships -- Andrew Billingsley (African American Studies), T.S. Sudarshan (Electrical Engineering)

Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Awards -- Elise Blackwell (English), John Lavigne (Chemistry & Biochemistry), David Simmons (Anthropology), Stephen Thompson (Education)

Michael J. Mungo Graduate Award -- Katherine Chaddock (Education)