CSC music professor is Nebraska State College System Teaching Excellence recipient

NSCS Chancellor Stan Carpenter said, “Dr. Schaefer embodies what our teaching excellence award represents: he cares about his students, believes that all his students have the potential to do great things, and demonstrates a commitment to his craft. His innovative and creative teaching style is a great asset to CSC and its students.” Schaefer has been a faculty member at CSC since 1999.

In his letter of recommendation, Dr. James Margetts, a colleague in the music department, used descriptors, including “gifted musician, highly valued colleague, believer, visionary leader, and superior classroom teacher,” to highlight Schaefer’s contributions to CSC and its students.

In addition to his professional commitment, Schaefer has coached the drum line of the CSC Show Band, self-produced a series of instructional videos in basic percussion rudiments and held important regional and national offices with numerous professional organizations. 

Dr. Joyce Hardy said, “Dr. Schaefer is an exemplary musician, but more importantly for Chadron State College students, he is an enthusiastic and energetic mentor.” Dr. Schaefer was instrumental in procuring CSC’s on-campus radio station and lead the development of the college’s music business option which prepares students for careers in the music business industry, including record companies, publications and promotions, and performance. 

The NSCS award is presented annually to one full-time faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, service and leadership across the system, which includes Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges. 

The NSCS Board has awarded the NSCS Teaching Excellence Award since 1984. Each college nominates one candidate for the NSCS Teaching Excellence Award. The 2013 college award winners also included Dr. Sheri Grotrian-Ryan, Associate Professor of Business at Peru State College and Dr. Mark Leeper, Professor of Political Science at Wayne State College.

Upon receipt of the nomination material, the Academic and Personnel Committee evaluates the three applications and then recommends one candidate to the full Board. The NSCS Board of Trustees met in March and, after careful deliberation, selected Schaefer as the 29th recipient of the System’s Teaching Excellence Award. The criterion used to make the selection includes demonstrated teaching effectiveness, academic advising, professional development, course quality, and other professional contributions. The award includes a $3,000 stipend and a medallion.