An instructor in Pennsylvania College of Technology's heavy construction equipment technology program has been honored by the college and Caterpillar Inc. with the annual Pathfinder to Excellence award.
Ryan W. Peck, a faculty member in the School of Natural Resources Management, received the award earlier last month during an advisory meeting of Caterpillar officials and dealers at the college's Schneebeli Earth Science Center.
"Ryan came to us with a strong background in heavy equipment operations. His enthusiasm in the classroom and at our operations site is contagious. He enjoys what he teaches and is eager to pass along his content knowledge," said Mary A. Sullivan, dean of natural resources management. "By awarding this honor to Ryan, it shows that his students have a great deal of respect for Ryan and his teaching."
Presented since 2003 on the basis of student nominations, the award recognizes a faculty member who "develops effective teaching techniques, enhances learning materials, demonstrates a keen sensitivity to student needs and maintains high academic standards."
Peck received a commemorative plaque and a cash award, made possible by matching contributions from the Caterpillar Foundation and consortium dealers.
"I never had a teacher that actually cared about every student and their work," one of his student nominators wrote. "Mr. Peck is the best teacher I ever had in my life."
