An ISU professor has been recognized for his commitment to teaching and involvement in technology.

Steffen Schmidt, university professor of political science, was awarded the Jerry Shakeshaft Master Teacher Award, an endowment from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The award was founded by family and friends of Shakeshaft, an ISU political science professor who passed away two years ago.

Shakeshaft concentrated in constitutional law and political theory, and did remarkable work advising and teaching students, said James McCormick, professor and chairman of political science.

“Dr. Schmidt continues the tradition of outstanding work in the classroom and with students,” he said.

Recipients of the award are caring teachers who are dedicated to students and their own learning interests, Schmidt said.

“[Shakeshaft] was a wonderful man and a friend,” he said. “I am honored to have been chosen as the first person to get this award.”

Schmidt has been the adviser to five campus organizations, teaches over 600 students this semester and is on the Council on International Programs, which advises the provost.

“He has an exemplary introduction to politics class, which is excellent for recruiting new majors,” McCormick said.

Schmidt was also voted to the Council of the American Political Science Association Information Technology and Politics Section. The group deals with the impact of Information technology on politics, according to their Web site, www.apsanet.org/about/sections.

The council also tackles issues on relationships between government and the information technology industry, the role of information technology on political science teaching and new ways to use information systems in government, Schmidt said.

Schmidt was nominated by other members of the American Political Science Association, according to the Web site. Nominees run on a slate, and all members of the APSA vote in the election.

Schmidt will serve a two-year term, during which he will advise the information technology section of APSA. Promoting the use of and research into information technology are also goals of his term on the council, he said.

“I will push hard for investment in training, equipment and experimentation,” he said.