Columbia International University English professor Dr. Sandra Young is among the best in South Carolina. Young is CIU’s 2019 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award presented each year by South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU).

Young serves as Chair of CIU’s Liberal Arts division as well as director of the English program. Her teaching repertoire includes first-year courses such as Composition and Research and Literature and Research, where she works closely with her students to ensure they lay a good foundation for their college education by learning essential writing skills. She also teaches advanced courses such as Literary Theory, African-American Literature, Fiction Writing and Creative Nonfiction.

Student evaluations consistently reflect appreciation of Young’s care for students and her desire to see them succeed. She also often invests in advanced students by encouraging them to engage in writing projects beyond the classroom. Her English majors regularly participate in the publishing of CIU’s student publications, and some even prepare research papers for conferences and workshops — events to which Dr. Young accompanies them.

Dr. Bryan Beyer, dean of CIU’s College of Arts & Sciences recently heard two students talking about English class as they passed his office door.

“One was commenting, ‘That Dr. Young works us pretty hard!’ His friend replied, ‘That’s because she cares about us.’ What a great compliment!” Beyer said.

A faculty member from each of SCICU’s 20 member institutions is nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award according to rigorous guidelines. The award recipients are honored at a special dinner and awarded a $3,000 professional development grant.

Columbia International University ranks #1 among colleges and universities in South Carolina by BestColleges.com. Excitement is growing on campus with CIU’s first baseball program in development and a major renovation of the CIU Dining Hall. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.