FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 18, 2005
CONTACT: Sarah Lingenfelter, Media Relations 585.567.9559

HOUGHTON PROFESSOR HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Jon Arensen, professor of anthropology, is the recipient of Houghton College’s annual Excellence in Teaching Award, funded by the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation.

The award supports undergraduate education by recognizing excellence in teaching and by rewarding outstanding teachers. Arensen is one of just eight faculty members in the state recognized for making a positive contribution to the teaching climate at their respective colleges.

Ron Oakerson, academic vice president and dean of the college, presented the award at a recent chapel service. He commented that, “Arensen’s ability as a story-teller is the stuff of legend.  In the classroom he brings his mastery of the narrative style to the illustration of theoretical constructs and the application of theory to praxis.  Students respond with both appreciation and engagement.” 

Arensen grew up on remote mission stations in Tanzania where his parents served as missionaries with Africa Inland Missions. It was here that he acquired the deep interest and love for Africa and its people which ultimately led to Arensen creating the Houghton in Tanzania program. Additionally he provides essential leadership in helping to develop Houghton’s intercultural studies major.

Prior to coming to  Houghton, Arensen worked in various capacities for the  Summer Institute of Linguistics and Wycliffe Bible Translators in East Africa. Much of his work was focused on the Murle people in the Sudan, their culture and language. In 1992 he published “Mice Are Men,” a study of language and society among the Murle. He has also published numerous other monographs and journal articles on anthropology, linguistics and ecology. 

Arensen holds a bachelor’s from Westmont College, a master’s from Central Washington State University and Oxford University and a doctorate from Oxford. He has been a member of the Houghton faculty since 1998.

Houghton professors who have received this award in the past include: Claity Massey, Duane Saufley, Paul Young, Jake Jacobson, Carl Schultz, Charles Bressler, Cameron Airhart, Rhea Reed, Jean Reigles, Daryl Stevenson, John Tyson, Bernie Piersma, Dan Woolsey, Ted Murphy and Cynthia Symons.