A total of seven ISU professors were honored as university professor during the Spring Convocation April 16. Awards were presented by ISU Interim President Richard Seagrave.

Joseph Kupfer, professor of philosophy and religious studies, said he attributes his hard work and efforts to the support of his department.

“What has been so important to me is that I have felt how great the philosophy department is and how supportive the department has been,” he said.

Using student feedback and interaction to help develop his research, he was inspired to write about the area, he said.

Kupfer also said he uses movies instead of books in his classrooms. The result, he said, leads to more research of philosophy in movies, but his daughter jokingly refers to him as “Plato and popcorn.”

Pamela White, professor of food science and human nutrition, said involving students in the classroom is imperative when she teaches class.

“I like to create and environment where students are not afraid to talk and converse with each other,” she said. “It [is] enjoyable to foster situations where the students want to ask questions.”

Having smaller classes offers her an advantage when getting to know her students, White said. “By the time we are done with the semester, I think that I usually have a feel for the students and their personalities,” she said.

After being at Iowa State since 1977, Neil Nakadate, professor of English, said he has been exploring different subjects within English to teach his students. These subjects range from introductory courses to graduate level 20th Century American fiction.

“I try to always incorporate discussion,” he said. “I like using a lecture and interruption approach so the students feel more involved in the discussion.”

Because the study of English is so large, Nakadate said he enjoys exploring all aspects of the language. He has been involved in research and publication, literary criticism and co-authored a high school textbook.