By Bernie DeGroat
News and Information Services
Chemistry Prof. Billy Jo Evans is one of eight educators nationwide to receive a 1995 Catalyst Award from the Chemical Manufacturers Association for teaching excellence in chemistry and other science-related fields.
The awards program honors college faculty and secondary teachers who inspire students to pursue careers in science, chemistry, chemical engineering and chemical technology.
“I am honored to receive the Catalyst Award, as it recognizes the efforts of individual faculty members in working directly with students,” Evans says. “Most of my work has focused on helping students in the laboratory, enabling them to be successful in careers that can change the world for a lot of people.”
While Evans says curriculum reform is critical to ensure an acceptable level of competence among students, he sees the need for developing excellence among individuals.
“I am the product of a number of scholars who worked directly with me during my academic development,” he says. “From their leadership, I developed a very direct teaching style. I simply try to give something back to today’s students.”
Evans, who has a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and a doctorate from the University of Chicago, has taught at the U-M since 1979.
Winners of the Catalyst Award, established in 1957, receive a $5,000 stipend.
