IU's Henry Merrill named ICCE Faculty Member of the YeaR

The Indiana Council for Continuing Education (ICCE) has named Henry Merrill, chair of the Master of Science in Adult Education Program in the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies (SCS), as its Faculty Member of the Year. The award recognizes an Indiana faculty member who has provided outstanding serviceOctober 9, 2009a long history as a continuing educator. Before coming to the universitywide School of Continuing Studies, he was director of the Division of Continuing Studies at IU East. Since 1994, he has been with the universitywide school, where he initially served as associate dean of the school and executive director of its Office of Learning Partnerships. For the past seven years, he has been an associate professor in the SCS Adult Education Program. He has chaired the program since 1998. Under his leadership, the Adult Education Program went from a classroom-based format to an online format, making the program available to students outside the state of Indiana.

In addition to his duties in the Adult Education Program, Merrill instructs the online Certificate in Distance Education Program. Last year, he received a grant from the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System to develop three advanced modules for this certificate program.

In nominating Merrill, adult education professor Frank DiSilvestro cited Merrill's "excellent record of teaching, research, working with students, and providing service and leadership to adult and continuing education. Henry's work in our School of Continuing Studies has contributed to a national reputation in adult education. He is an outstanding teacher, scholar, and student advocate, and a highly dedicated adult educator who exemplifies the best in adult and continuing education."

Judy Wertheim, interim dean of the School of Continuing Studies, said, "I have worked with Henry over the years and have observed, firsthand, his deep commitment to continuing education and the nontraditional student. I am very pleased that the Indiana Council for Continuing Education has honored him with this well-deserved award."

Commenting on the award, Merrill said, "I am proud of my work with and for adult learners and continuing education, especially the Adult and Continuing Education Program and the Certificate of Distance Education Program. This honor from ICCE colleagues means a great deal to me."

The Indiana Council for Continuing Education promotes closer cooperative relationship in continuing education between the public and private universities of the state. Each year it recognizes an outstanding faculty member, administrator, staff person, student, and course.