Dr. Howard Wade Named
BSC Student Government Association’s
“Instructor of the Year”
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Dr. Howard Wade |
(Bluefield)—Dr. Howard Wade, whose breadth of life experiences in the half-century since his high school graduation include work as a coal miner, U.S. Marine, public school teacher, college faculty member and administrator, and an author, has been named the Bluefield State College Student Government Association’s “Instructor of the Year” for 2006-2007.
A highly respected member of the BSC School of Arts & Sciences’ faculty, Wade has been a featured speaker at numerous programs throughout the College community. “I count this award as very special, mainly because it was determined by a vote of the students,” he noted.
His travels have taken him full circle and have given him an appreciation and understanding that is reflected in the classroom. Dr. Wade grew up in southern West Virginia, attending public schools in McDowell County. He has brought the personal resources of his research and writing to BSC five years ago. "The entire teaching process is energizing,” he observed. “I learn as much from the students as they learn from me."
The author of several published works on African-American history, Wade holds a baccalaureate degree from Montclair (NJ) State College, a master's degree from Seton Hall (NJ) University, and a doctorate from the University of Miami (FL). He has taught at the middle school, high school, community college, baccalaureate college, and graduate school levels.
A strong attachment to the region of his youth influenced Wade and his wife, Mary, to return to southern West Virginia. "When I started work on my dissertation in the 1980s, Mary and I would return to this area each summer," he said. "We purchased a home in Maybeury and would spend the summer months here. When I retired in the 1990s, we made southern West Virginia our permanent home."
A member of Phi Alpha Theta international historical society, Wade thoroughly enjoys the challenges and opportunities of the classroom at BSC. "It's extremely satisfying to work with students, whether they are 18 years of age or 50," he explained. "The opportunity to see students reach great heights is very gratifying."
May 14, 2007
