Dr. Charlie Minnick, Dean of Ashford University’s College of Business and Professional Studies, has been selected as a recipient of the 2009 Excellence in Teaching award by the Commission for Accelerated Programs (CAP).  Each year, up to three faculty members from CAP member institutions are recognized for excellence in the facilitation of learning in an accelerated program. 

The award will be presented to Minnick during the Eighth National Conference for Accelerated Programs in Higher Education on November 16-17, 2009 in Chicago. “Accelerated Learning: Virtual & Face-to-Face” is the theme of this year’s conference which will feature the most up-to-date information and best practices available in accelerated learning. On the conference’s schedule is a mixture of collaborative learning experiences that include roundtable sessions, a panel discussion, and interactive sessions featuring relevant topics and emerging trends. 

Minnick, who has been with Ashford University for the past three years, has been invited to be a panelist during “The Best Practices in Teaching” session. 

 “Dr. Minnick is a dedicated, passionate, and real world facilitator and administrator who brings a love of learning and sharing to his classroom,” said Dr. Hope Gardina, Ashford University Vice President of Academic Affairs, who nominated Minnick for the award. “He makes students feel part of the learning process with a flexibility that allows for adjustments to teaching style during the course of material delivery.”

Minnick earned his BA and MBA degrees from St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA and his Ph.D. degree from Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.

According to its mission statement, CAP “is an international membership organization serving professionals who lead, teach, and conduct research in accelerated programs in higher education. As an advocate for accelerated education, CAP enhances collaboration and shares best practices and research findings among its members to design and deliver the most effective accelerated learning for adult and nontraditional students.” 

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus.   The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858/513-9240 x2513.