A veteran physics professor has received Eastern Kentucky University's highest honor for teaching.

Dr. Jerry Cook, who joined the EKU faculty in 1983, is the recipient of the 2004 EKU Foundation Professorship, awarded annually by the EKU Foundation. An EKU Foundation Professor is recognized as demonstrating outstanding abilities in the three primary roles of a faculty member: teaching, service and research.

"Students tell us that Doctor Cook is an energetic, enthusiastic teacher who blends a good sense of humor with a caring attitude to create a unique learning environment," President Joanne Glasser said when introducing Cook at Spring Commencement.

Cook has been a pioneer in developing new, innovative inquiry science courses for pre-service teachers, advises pre-engineering students and physics majors, has been the faculty sponsor for the Physics Club for 20 years, and established a campus chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honor society.

He also is a past recipient of his college's Research Award and has secured numerous grants to support his teaching and research. Currently he is working on the $22 million grant obtained by the University of Kentucky and 10 partner institutions to improve mathematics and science education for K-12 students throughout Appalachia. He also has played a key role in the $1.34 million National Science Foundation grant EKU received last fall to improve inquiry-based instruction of science, technology and mathematics in six area middle schools.

The two-year professorships provide an additional salary supplement.

Cook earned his bachelor's degree from Berea College and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Kentucky.

All full-time tenured faculty members are eligible for the award. The professorship program recognizes and honors those faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding performance as teachers and who are recognized by their colleagues as exemplifying outstanding qualities relating to the University's stated missions in teaching, service and research.

The selection is made by a committee composed of faculty, students and administrative staff representatives. The process provides for a high degree of peer review by the faculty colleagues of the candidate.

Forty-three professors have been honored for teaching excellence by the EKU Foundation since the awards were first given in 1988.