Excellence in Instruction - D. Scott Glenn

Dr. Scott Glenn joined the faculty of the University of Maryland in 1980 and currently carries a 30% teaching/70% research appointment. While his research accomplishments have been recognized locally and nationally over the years, being recognized for teaching also seems a natural for Dr. Glenn. His teaching philosophy states that "teaching whether it be in the classroom on a collage campus, at the local Little League field, or during a wagon stop at a Field Day tour involves the basic principle of exchanging information between student and teacher." Dr. Glenn firmly believes that most students want to learn and that it is up to the teacher to create the interest to learn. He incorporates four principles into making this philosophy come to life for students: Get Personal with the Students, Enthusiasm, Hard Work, and Get Their Hands Dirty.

Beginning in 1980 and utilizing innovative teaching methods including problem solving, proposal papers, physical research, working groups and case studies, he has been the instructor for eleven undergraduate and graduate courses including Weed Science, Herbicide Chemistry and Physiology, Forages, Agro ecology, senior and graduate seminars and has supervised numerous experiential learning projects in agronomy. Student evaluations from each of these classes rank Dr. Glenn between 4.7 and 5.0 on a 5-point scale. He has also coached thirteen Collegiate Weed Science teams, earning first and third place finishes in 1985 and 1983, respectively. His "weed of the week" program highlights a new weed each week and allows students to investigate the history, biology, control, and other interesting facts about the weeds. The weeds are displayed in a showcase drawing interest from nonclass members as well. Other creative teaching methods have made Crop Science a popular CORE course for the campus. Dr. Glenn is also a frequent guest lecturer for Agronomy, Entomology, and Institute of Applied Agriculture classes.

Dr. Glenn was a member of the Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) Curriculum Development Committee. He chaired and served on committees to develop the Agroecology and Pest Management paths. He has served as a valuable member of many departmental and college committees. He authored "My First Weeds book", and edited the "Crop Science Lab Manual". As an outstanding campus citizen, he has assisted in developing and conduction the Maryland FFA Crops contest since 1989 and is currently serving as chair of the event. He also has served as ongoing advisor to the Agronomy Club and was instrumental in producing a website to be utilized as a state crops contest study guide.

Having inspired students over the years to learn and keep learning in a variety of settings, Dr. Glenn clearly has earned the reputation for Excellence in Instruction.

For more information, contact Gail Yeiser

Last updated: 03/12/2009