Feb. 10, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -
On Thursday, February 6 at the men's basketball game vs Stetson University, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recognized the 2003 recipients of the "Most Valuable Professor" Awards (MVP).
SAAC serves as a liaison between student-athletes and athletics administration and faculty. The committee consists of two representatives from each athletic team. In 2000, SAAC decided to recognize professors who have shown extraordinary support of the academic and athletic efforts of student-athletes. There have been two or three recipient's recognized each year. The MVP award was sponsored this year by East City Grill at Brookwood Village. Faculty nominations were given from each athletic team and the final vote was made by SAAC. The 2003 MVP awards were presented at halftime, and each recipient received a plaque and a gift certificate for dinner at East City Grill. The 2003 winners are Dr. Killian Manning and Dr. Doug Clapp, both from the Howard College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Manning received her undergraduate degree from Auburn, where she lettered in Swimming, Track and Cross-country. She received her Master of Arts in Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill and will receive her Ph.D. from the University of Utah this spring. She is in her 3rd year at Samford and teaches Interpersonal Communication, Performance of Literature, and Communication and Dance. Dr. Manning enjoys having athletes in her classes because of their unique understanding of discipline and hard work. The words most frequently used to describe her were "supportive" and "understanding". Student-athletes value her experience as a college athlete and the empathy it has allowed her to have for their circumstances. She was described as "enthusiastic, willing to give help outside of class time and as having a special ability to motive student-athletes."
Dr. Clapp received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth. His graduate degrees, a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Classics are from UNC-Chapel Hill. He is in his 2nd year at Samford and teaches Greek and Cultural Perspectives. Dr. Clapp leads a Bible Study for the men's cross country team. His genuine interest in student-athletes and commitment to their success were cited as support for his nomination. Dr. Clapp's enthusiasm for his subject and the methods he uses to convey information are extremely popular with student-athletes.
The Samford Student Athletes want thank all of their professors who have made the extra effort to help them in the classroom and show them support in the stands.
