Flesher Professor TK Daniel guides faculty governance
Professor Philip TK Daniel’s distinctive bass rumble has been a feature of faculty governance at Ohio State for decades. Nowhere has his voice been heard more often, and his wisdom been more influential, than in University Senate deliberations.
In recognition of his four terms in the senate and other leadership roles, Daniel has been honored with the 2014 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service. The award includes a $3,000 honorarium and a $1,200 increase in base salary.
Daniel is the William Ray and Marie Adamson Flesher Professor of Educational Administration in the College of Education and Human Ecology and adjunct professor of law.
Interim President Joseph A. Alutto and Provost Joseph E. Steinmetz announced his selection in a surprise visit to his Ramseyer Hall classroom on March 31.
“T.K. proved to be a wise counselor while always advocating for the significant role of the faculty within the university,” said President Emeritus E. Gordon Gee in a letter of support.
Another nominator, Javaune Adams-Gaston, vice president for student life, noted Daniel’s guidance during recent discussion of faculty peer review policies, assessment of intercollegiate athletics and establishment of the new Second-Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP).
Impressive list of appointments
“No one I have ever known has been as dedicated to college and university service," Dean Cheryl Achterberg said during the surprise presentation. "The list of his appointments is impressive. But it is even more impressive that, even with those commitments the quality of his scholarship and teaching of education law never wavers.”
Daniel’s 137 senate colleagues have recognized his ability and dedication by electing him to every major senate committee, including Steering, and then selecting him to chair them.
The Faculty Service Award acknowledges his talent for keeping faculty on topic or bringing them to consensus so ideas translate into action. This characteristic has been especially important as the university transitioned to semesters, chose to lease parking operations, and changed clinical faculty rules.
The President and Provost's Award for Distinguished Faculty Service honors faculty members for their contributions to the development and implementation of university policies and programs through nonadministrative roles, while continuing to teach and pursue scholarship.
