Biology professor Dr. James Mack, EdD received the Distinguished Teacher Award on May 14, recognizing him for his teaching excellence and contributions to the University
All professors throughout the University, regardless of their department, are eligible to receive the Distinguished Teacher Award.
Held at the end of the most recent spring semester, former Provost Thomas Peason revealed the award to Mack during a luncheon in Wilson Hall for all University professors.
Mack said “I am both honored and humbled to have received the award.” Not only has he been a professor at the University for more than four decades, but he is also an alumi.
Mack stated in his acceptance speech about his journey at the University, “I remember when I was a student at Monmouth; we used Pompeii and Versailles rooms as our cafeteria. During my 45 years as a student and professor, I have been privileged to witness the metamorphosis of Monmouth College to Monmouth University.”
Mack studied at the University back in the late 1950s before the school gained the title of University.
In 1962, Mack received his BS in biology from Monmouth College and from there he continued his studies at William Paterson University, formerly known as William Paterson College, where he received his MA in biology in 1966. His educational pursuit continued to strengthen, which encouraged him to attend Columbia University and eventually graduate in 1971 with his EdD.
Returning to his hometown roots, his career in biology began when he started teaching at Shore Regional High School, where he taught advanced biology for six years. After his run at Shore Regional, Mack returned to the University, now as a college professor in 1973.
Mack’s teaching was focused in the areas of cell physiology, biochemistry and anatomy and physiology. Even in his early years of teaching at the University, Mack greatly influenced and inspired the lives of his students, both at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Brianna Wesley, a graduate student of Mack’s, described him as “the best mentor, professor and friend” she could have. She continued, “Dr. Mack inspired me and helped me achieve everything I had hoped to achieve at Monmouth. I congratulate him on his award because he truly deserves it.”
To describe his love for teaching and helping others, Mack said, “In and out of class, I help my students develop and use critical thinking skills to prepare them to be successful now and in the future. I also expect them to possess the qualities of integrity, trust and dependability which are very important for success in the real world.”
Mack did not waste any time getting involved as a new professor at the University. He went on to be appointed the position of the Chair of Faculty Council in 1977 where he maintained that title for seven years.
In 1981 Mack also served as Chair of the Department of Biology for three years.
Mack went onto become a founding member of the Pre-Professional Health Advisory Committee, where he provided 38 years of his service as director.
Since 1985, the biology professor has also been a member of the University Alumni Board of Directors. Adding to his list of involvements, Mack provided his time and service to communities outside of the University.
In 1983 NJ Governor Thomas Kean appointed Mack as a leader within the NJ Clean Water Council and the Monmouth Country Water Resources Association where he was involved from 1986 – 1991.
Aside from the Distinguished Teacher Award, Mack has a wall in his office filled with past awards he has received including three Student Choice Awards ranging from years 1988 – 1998. He was also a recipient of the Alumni Association Award in 1999 as well as the Donald Warncke Award presented in the same year.
On Aug. 6, 2014 Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini presented the Joint Legislative Resolution to Mack at the University in recognition of his teaching, research and significant contributions in Benefit of the Community.
Mack’s office was filled with personalized notes and cards from present and former students thanking him for the influence he had on their lives and careers. He said, “E-mails and letters from Monmouth alumni since 1974 make the teaching profession for me so gratifying.”
Junior biology student Gabriella Leuzzi said, “This semester is my first time in Dr. Mack’s class. On the first day of class I was able to tell that I was going to like him, aside from all of the great things I have heard.”
PHOTO COURTESY of Dr. James Mack
