NEWS

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Dr. Charles Horn, professor of biology at Newberry College, was presented with the Meritorious Teaching Award by the Association of Southeastern Biologists during its annual conference in Myrtle Beach. The award is one of the highest honors for excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in biology in the southeastern United States.

Since joining Newberry College in 1986, Horn has taught a wide variety of biology courses, including Botany, Economic Botany, Field Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Science. He served as department chair from 1994 to 2011 and has held various leadership roles, including  faculty advisor for the Biology Club, Chi Beta Phi Science Honorary Society, and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society, among others. Additionally, he is the former director of the Newberry College Summerland Honors Program.

“Students at Newberry College find Charlie friendly, engaging, always available to help or lend an ear to listen.  His courses are frequently at capacity, and he receives positive student evaluations for both his teaching and advising,” says Dr. Bret Clark, dean of the Division of Sciences, Mathematics, and Pre-Professional Studies. “He always finds time to integrate real world scenarios and the scientific method into the lab experiences he designs for his students.  He is the ultimate mentor and role model for the Newberry College population of budding scientists.”
 

Dr. Horn’s passion for botanical and ecological research has made a lasting impact on the field.  His extensive studies on aquatic plants of North and South America have led to more than a   dozen publications in prestigious journals and books. His dedication to documenting South Carolina’s diverse flora – including several rare and remarkable species – has enriched our understanding of the region’s plan lift through a service of groundbreaking publications.   As the founder and curator of the Newberry College Herbarium, since 1986 Dr. Horn has nurtured its growth into the third-largest herbarium in South Carolina, behind only University of South Carolina and Clemson University. His work continues to inspire and advance the study of botany for future generations.

Horn has received numerous awards during his tenure at Newberry College. He is a past recipient of the I.Y. and Agnes Caughman Professor of the Sciences, Student Government Association Professor of the Year, Billy Carter Professor, the Grady Cooper Award for outstanding service to the College, the Governor’s Distinguished Professor Award, the Elizabeth Ann Bartholomew Award for outstanding service to botany as awarded by the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, and the South Carolina Independent Colleges Excellence in Teaching Award.

“I joined the Association when I started my Ph.D. at the University of Alabama in 1981, and I have been to all their meetings except for two since then. I am deeply honored to receive their Meritorious Teaching Award, especially coming from a small school like Newberry when there are members from large state universities represented as well,” said Horn.

To learn more about Newberry College’s Biology program visit: newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/sciences-and-mathematics/biology.

About the Association of Southeastern Biologists

The Association of Southeastern Biologists promotes the advancement of biology as a science by supporting research and education, using knowledge to solve biological problems, and preserving biological resources. Since 1937, their Annual Meeting has served as a crucial step in the STEM-Student Pipeline, giving seasoned researchers a venue to share their knowledge and a place for upcoming biologists, who will proceed to advanced degrees and careers in academia and industry, their first experience presenting science. The Association provides a friendly space to receive feedback, learn about job and graduate school opportunities, and meet experts in the field.