The Nutty Professor
Known for his unique way of teaching that includes rubber chickens,
professor L-Jay Fine wins the highest teaching award at the university
By IRENE RODRIGUEZ
About two weeks ago, L-Jay Fine didn’t own a suit.
Occasionally, people can find professor L-Jay Fine, left, and
his students learn biology with hula hoops and rubber chickens.
“We are studying biology,” he would say. Photo
courtesy of L-Jay Fine |
On one Thursday afternoon, Fine, an associate professor of recreation
administration and leisure studies, and his wife went to buy the suit
he will be wearing when he gives a speech at the Fresno State commencement
ceremony. Fine was asked to give the speech after he was named the recipient
of the 2005 Excellence in Teaching Award, the highest award a professor
can receive at the university.
“I am overwhelmed and excited about receiving this award,”
Fine said. “This is the highest recognition I could have received.
It is incredibly validating.”
Growing up, Fine always wanted to be a camp director. Recognizing the
opportunity to come to teach outdoors at Fresno State, he left Long Beach
State, where he was a professor. He’s been teaching at Fresno State
for the past 15 years.
Not surprisingly, Fine often takes his students outdoors. They have fun
while they learn the importance of interacting with others. He has them
play with hula hoops and rubber chickens. For the many people who pass
by, they can’t help but wonder what the students are doing, Fine
said.
Fine tells them joking, “We are studying biology.”
Jeri Echeverria, provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented
Fine with the recognition.
“This award is a way of honoring the wisdom of someone who has mastered
the art of teaching. He has a long-standing record for excellent work
in the classroom through experimental learning,” Echeverria said.
“We are very proud to have people like him at our university.”
The provost chose Fine as the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching
award after he received a nomination letter by Jody Hironaka-Juteau, an
associate professor and the interim chair of the recreation administration
and leisure studies program.
“He is a very dedicated and selfless leader and has a wonderful
way of connecting with students while he helps them develop useful life
skills. He offers them an experiential learning experience rather than
just lecture,” Hironaka-Juteau said. “His ongoing desire to
be a better instructor, his use of humor and knowledge allow his students
to really enjoy his classes and make him worthy of such an award.”
Echeverria said Fine’s nomination included many letters from his
students that made the package very strong.
Michelle Brown, a recreation administration and leisure student, said
she is very excited for her professor.
“His enthusiasm for teaching comes out in everything he does,”
Brown said. “He gets everybody energized in the activities we do
and it’s going to be great to hear him speak at our graduation.”
Jennifer Schneider, another of Fine’s students, said he deserves
to be recognized for what he has done for his students and their major.
“He is an excellent teacher. He is very involved with his students,
to help us with our internships or just to talk,” Schneider said.
“He is dedicated to make sure students do their best and have fun
while we learn.
“Many people view our major as just fun and games, but there is
much more behind it. I think that this recognition is also important because
it is going to help us be noticed in more important aspects.”
As part of the recognition, Echeverria will purchase a brick in Fine’s
name for the teacher’s honor wall in front of the Education Building.
Fine will receive an award and will speak at various university events
next school year.
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