At Furman, you often hear about the small classes that spur lively discussions and lead to close relationships between faculty and students. And part of that dynamic is the potential impact one faculty member can have on an individual student\u2019s path.<\/p>\n
Shane Embury \u201923 wrote a letter nominating Tim Wardle, associate professor of religion, for the James H. Smart Award. Administered by the Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection, the award celebrates the memory of Jim Smart, a longtime history professor (1967-1995) known for his passion for teaching and learning, his dedication to student development and the importance he placed on students\u2019 exploration of values and purposeful living.<\/p>\n
It was a letter for the ages, and one that helped lead the staff at the Cothran Center to select Wardle for the 2021 honor.<\/p>\n
In the letter, Embury, a biology major from Knoxville, Tennessee, recounted how she ended up adding not just another major, but a mentor to her Furman experience.<\/p>\n
Embury explained she was simply looking to satisfy the textual analysis component of the GER by signing up for REL 211, New Testament and Early Christianity. But in an email exchange with Wardle in the summer of 2020, she received \u201ca remarkable picture of [Wardle\u2019s] character.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI had some reservations (about taking the class) due to my lack of familiarity with the Bible,\u201d wrote Embury. \u201cI expressed these worries to Dr. Wardle, and only a couple hours later, my computer dinged with the most kindhearted reply.\u00a0He reassured me that the class is for everyone, regardless of faith, and that he tries not to assume prior biblical knowledge on the students\u2019 part. Right away, I could tell how welcoming and nonjudgmental he was, and I felt secure in my decision to take his class.\u201d<\/p>\n
Describing herself as a \u201crandom name\u201d on a class roster at that point, Embury was anything but. Wardle, who hadn\u2019t yet met Embury face-to-face, took personal interest in her, connecting her with groups on campus to help her navigate her faith exploration.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had deeply struggled with a sense of belonging at Furman in the past, but having a professor genuinely care about me as a student \u2013 one of 2,800 students \u2013 made me feel like I had value at this university,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n
Wardle\u2019s words, in a simple email thread, were just what Embury needed to confidently embark on her sophomore year at Furman.<\/p>\n
Halfway through that fall semester, Embury added religion as a second major. She remembered how Wardle took her under his wing, supporting her holistically in everything from class selection to running a half-marathon.<\/p>\n
And if Embury\u2019s letter didn\u2019t push Wardle to the top of the list for Jim Smart Award prospects, Roger Sneed\u2019s endorsement clinched the deal.<\/p>\n
\u201cTim never fails to have his door open for students who wish to discuss their classes, concerns and career trajectories,” wrote Sneed, professor and chair of the religion department. “Tim\u2019s commitment and service to the department, students and the university is exceptional.<\/p>\n
He noted that Wardle directed Theta Alpha Kappa, the religion department\u2019s honor society, and served as the head of an ad hoc committee charged with drafting the position announcement for the Buddhism position.<\/p>\n
“Tim\u2019s record of advising and mentoring is one of the best I\u2019ve seen in this department,\u201d added Sneed.<\/p>\n
Wardle, who joined the Furman faculty in 2012, celebrates his 10th\u00a0anniversary with the university this August. In a reception for the Jim Smart Award on Jan. 25, Wardle received a plaque and more words from Embury.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough Dr. Wardle has only been present in a little over half of my college experience so far, he\u2019s had the greatest impact, and most of that is just by showing that he cares,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s my physical or mental wellbeing, my plans for life after college, or the decisions I make while in college about course load, study away, and more, it\u2019s comforting to know that there\u2019s someone in Furman Hall 206-D who wants to help me be the best person I can be. And for that, I don\u2019t think any award will ever be sufficient to express my gratitude.\u201d<\/p>\n