Professor Scot Reese Recognized for Mentorship of Multi-Ethnic Students

An educator knows they’ve genuinely connected when their students create a Facebook fan page for them with over 50 members.  The “Scot Reese Appreciation Society” is such a site, and is testament to the impact this dynamic professor has had on his students and colleagues.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the academic excellence and lives of multi-ethnic students at the University of Maryland, School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS) professor Scot Reese is being awarded the 2013 Office of Multi-ethnic Student Education Academy of Academic Excellence "Excellence in Service" medal for Outstanding Faculty.

Nominated by students, the award goes to a university faculty member who has given freely and unselfishly of their time to multi-ethnic students or multi-cultural community activities, inspired multi-ethnic students by acting as a role model, had a positive impact on the academic success of multi-ethnic student and improved the lives of others.

Reese is Head of Theatre Performance Cluster in TDPS and known for his directing of black theatre and performance as well as musical theatre.  He has directed several student productions dealing with African American culture, including Am I Black Enough Yet and In the Red and Brown Water that won Best University Production as part of DCMetroTheaterArts’ “Best of 2012” Theatre Arts Honors. 

“We are so pleased to see Scot Reese honored for his years of work supporting cultural diversity here at the university,” said Leigh Smiley, director of the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.  “I'm extremely grateful for all the joyful effort he puts forth for the multi-ethnic and all of our students on a daily basis.”

The medal will be bestowed at an awards ceremony to be held on April 11, 2013 in the Grand Ballroom of the Stamp Student Union at 5 p.m. A dessert reception will be held between 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m.