Professors Recognized with Faculty Awards

The Pitt-Greensburg annual faculty awards honoring excellence in teaching, service, and professional development were announced this week. Dr. Paul Adams, associate professor political science, was honored for professional development; Dr. Pilar Herr, associate professor of history, and Dr. Bryan McCarthy, visiting assistant professor of philosophy, both received the award for teaching;  and Dr. Kayla Heffernan, associate professor of mathematics, was honored for her service.

The Insider reached out to this year’s winners to learn more about their work and the awards.

Dr. Paul Adams

What does the Professional Development award mean to you?

Many students may not realize that our faculty members do more than teach and advise. Many of us are also deeply involved in primary research, presenting at conferences, publishing articles, and even writing books. It’s rewarding to be recognized for this work.

Can you share more about your professional development?

Conducting research is challenging and requires a lot of time. Balancing this with teaching and other responsibilities can be difficult. But it’s vital for our personal and professional growth.

What are you most excited about for your future at Pitt-Greensburg?

In the last five years, I’ve coedited a book, written several chapters on elections, and completed a manuscript that should be published soon. I’m excited to continue this work and contribute to the university’s scholarly community.

Anyone you’d like to thank for supporting you along the way?

I want to thank Pitt-Greensburg, the University Center for International Studies, and the European Studies Center for their support in my recent book project. I’m excited to share my book, “Beyond Good Friday: Governance of Northern Ireland in the Post-Brexit Environment,” soon.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Publishing a full book manuscript is a huge task that requires sacrifice. It’s important for people to understand the extensive work involved, especially with the many responsibilities Pitt-Greensburg faculty manage.

Dr. Pilar Herr

Dr. Bryan McCarthy

What does receiving the Teaching award mean to you?

Dr. Herr: It’s a great honor to be recognized after 25 years of teaching. It’s nice to be appreciated for doing something I love.

Dr. McCarthy: It’s meaningful to know that others believe in my work. It’s nice to be recognized, especially as I’ve only been at Pitt-Greensburg for a short time. It makes me feel more connected to the community here.

Can you tell us about your teaching approach?

Dr. Herr: I’ve evolved over the years. I used to rely heavily on lectures, but now I focus more on student interaction. I believe a Socratic method, with discussions and debates, enhances learning and encourages students to take ownership of their education.

Dr. McCarthy: Philosophy is challenging, and I have to think outside the box to help students grasp difficult concepts. I try creative methods, even if it means doing whatever it takes to make the material accessible.

What are you most looking forward to at Pitt-Greensburg?

Dr. Herr: I look forward to continuing to make a difference, both in the classroom and through mentoring. I also hope AI doesn’t take over my job.

Dr. McCarthy: I’m thrilled about a study Dr. Phillips and I are doing on psychedelic experiences with Christian elements. It’s groundbreaking, and if we succeed, it could be a significant contribution to the field.

Anyone you’d like to thank?

Dr. Herr: I want to thank Dr. Geoff Wood for nominating me, and I’m grateful to the committee members for their careful consideration. I also want to thank my students for letting me share my passion for history with them.

Dr. McCarthy: Yes, I want to thank Dr. Estrada for showing me what a great teacher is, Drs. Rued and Greenfield for their support, and Dr. Herr for her constant kindness. I’m grateful to all my colleagues and students for their belief in me.

Dr. Kayla Heffernan 

What does the Service award mean to you?

It’s wonderful to be recognized for my work. Teaching is just one aspect of our job at Pitt-Greensburg. Service, like my work on committees and grant-funded projects, is also a critical part of what we do.

Can you tell us more about your service?

I’ve been involved in many committees, from the Faculty Senate to the Relay for Life Committee. I’ve also worked on several grant projects, including the STEM Learning Interdisciplinary Community Expansion (SLICE) program and First-Year Learning Communities. It’s fulfilling to work toward providing opportunities for students.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m excited to continue working with The Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) Project and hopefully bring a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program to Pitt-Greensburg. Dr. Horrall has been instrumental in supporting my efforts, and I’m eager to see how we can continue making a difference.

Anyone you’d like to thank?

I want to thank Dr. Horrall for her guidance and all my colleagues who have supported me over the years. I’m also grateful to the students I work with, who inspire me every day.