"This is such an amazing recognition for something that is my true passion in life," said Wilson, head of the Department of Curriculum Studies. "I am humbled and honored to be a part of such an esteemed group."
But the list of teaching awards to his credit—including the university's highest teaching honour, the Master Teacher Award (2015) and the Provost’s Outstanding New Teacher Award (2010)—suggests he certainly does belong to this group. Wilson, who has been a lecturer at the U of S since 1997 and became an assistant professor in 2008, quickly earned a reputation as an excellent teacher, not only receiving numerous teaching awards, but also seeing his classrooms full of students year after year.
3M Canada and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) selected Wilson based on his excellence in teaching, mentorship and research in the area of teaching and learning. Across Canada, only 10 teachers receive this award each year.
"Dr. Wilson has a well-deserved reputation—on campus, across Canada and around the world—as an excellent teacher, mentor and researcher," said Patti McDougall, vice-provost, teaching and learning. "We are so proud of him for earning this tremendous recognition. It is a testament to his commitment to teaching excellence, his colleagues and most importantly, his students."
Wilson teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses, and has research interests in educational design, which involves creating and planning the best possible learning experience for students. Wilson is also keenly interested in the application of technology in the classroom, and since 2011 he has shared his knowledge and passion in this area as an Apple Distinguished Educator. This global team of teachers and professors work with the Apple education team to influence design to make their products more effective learning tools.
"Receiving this award provides me with even more energy to focus on my teaching career, I will continue looking for ways to do better,” said Wilson. “This recognition is fantastic, but awards are never my goal as a teacher, student success is.”
This is the ninth 3M Fellowship for the U of S since the award's inception in 1986. Wilson joins previous U of S winners: Fred Phillips, professor of accounting in 2011; Baljit Singh, professor of veterinary biomedical sciences in 2009; Ernie Walker, professor of archaeology in 2007; John Thompson, professor of sociology in 2005; Rick Schwier, professor of curriculum studies in 2005; Len Gusthart, professor of kinesiology in 2002; Mel Hosain, professor of civil engineering in 1994; and Ron Marken, professor of English in 1987.
Wilson will be presented with the fellowship at the annual STLHE conference in Halifax, NS, June 20-23, 2017.