English Professor Robert McLaughlin Receives Rives Award

Illinois State University's Robert McLaughlin is the 2009-10 recipient of the Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award. The award, which will be presented at the Founders Day Convocation on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m., recognizes outstanding teaching or a significant contribution to the undergraduate experience, with special attention given to the first-year experience.

McLaughlin is a professor in the English department who has served as the department's Honors coordinator, director of Undergraduate Studies and co-advisor of Sigma Tau Delta.  He received his bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. in English from Fordham University.  McLaughlin's teaching interests are in the areas of contemporary fiction, narrative theory and drama, and his research interests are postmodern fiction, Thomas Pynchon, World War II films and American Musical Theater.

"Watching students interact with Bob and seeing their ease with and respect for him tells a lot about his commitment to teaching beyond the classroom," said English Chair Joan Mullin.  "Bob doesn't just teach students, he mentors individuals."

McLaughlin has been praised by his peers for providing individualized attention to his students, taking the time to find out who they are and what they know and then building on what he learns of them.  Students comment on how challenging and rewarding his classes are and how grateful they are for his guidance and support.  McLaughlin also has a talent for recruiting his fellow faculty colleagues' assistance in working with students outside the classroom.  His leadership as director of Undergraduate Studies led to a series of curricular innovations in the program.

Stan Rives earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Illinois State and was a member of the Illinois State University faculty and administration. The Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award was established in honor of Stan's commitment to a high quality undergraduate program and for his contributions to Illinois State University as dean of Undergraduate Instruction.