Plymouth State University has named Dr. Daniel R. Perkins its first Stevens-Bristow Distinguished Professor.
This past May, alumni Wallace Stevens and Meredith Bristow Stevens created the University’s first endowed professorship. Its purpose is to identify extraordinary faculty who “Educate the Educators.” According to a university press release, when considering a recipient for the Stevens-Bristow distinguished professorship, the committee seeks, “A record of excellence in teaching, advising or mentoring; evidence of scholarly activity or creativity that is recognized nationally or internationally, and exhibit outstanding contributions to the profession, University or state.”
Perkins, a professor of music and director of choral activities, will hold a three-year term and will be provided an annual stipend to aid him in his work.
“I am extremely proud of our numerous alums who are teaching, literally throughout the world, with the passion and intensity they observed and felt during their time in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance,” Said Perkins, “PSU has provided an environment in which our students and I have the freedom to explore, travel and work internationally, and collaborate with excellent colleagues. It is a great honor to be the recipient of an award that supports this work.”
At an early age, Perkins discovered his love of music, “There was always a great deal of music in my home,” he said, “I listened to a wide variety of music from the Beatles to Stravinsky.” Now in his seventeenth year as a Plymouth State professor, Perkins is happy to see improvements in the department of Music, Theater, and Dance.
“We have a wonderful facility,” said Perkins, “We are seeing better technology and are working towards improving our current technology.” Perkins discussed his favorite thing about teaching at Plymouth State.
“The amount of change I see in the students in their time here… it is dramatic. Students come to Plymouth with a limited vision of possibilities and they leave Plymouth with an incredibly expanded vision of what their options are,” Perkins added.
Perkins teaches students outside of the classroom through performances around the country and overseas. This winterim, Perkins will be taking the Chamber Singers to Vietnam. It will be his first time taking a University group to Asia. Perkins has visited the continent many times himself and is excited for the students to share in the experience. Perkins wants most for the students to gain “a world perspective.”
“I really feel that the educators in this department are incredible and are actively involved with students, student organizations, and ensembles in a way that goes beyond traditional models.” Perkins shared his view of his colleagues, “I think that is why we, as a department, are so successful at placing our students.”
Perkins suggests that being named a distinguished professor would contribute not only to his department, but also to Plymouth State as a whole, “It’s great for the university that we are seeing endowed professorships. It’s a real symbol of the university’s growth and emerging status because these types of things define an institution.”
For those looking for further information regarding Plymouth State’s endowed professors program, please contact Angela Matthews, Director of Development at 535-2212 or amatthews@plymouth.edu.