Valentine recognized for teaching excellence

Bob Valentine, left, was recognized by Alan Stout, chair of the Murray State Board of Regents and JMC alumnus, during the Faculty Recognition Banquet. Valentine was the College of Business and Public Affairs' recipient of the Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Valentine, a member of the faculty since 1974, teaches in advertising and is the instructor for the beginning course (JMC 168) for all majors in the department. He has taught in theatre and served as guest director for the MSU Theatre.

He began his teaching career at the University of Kentucky, where he earned his undergraduate degree in history and his master's in communications. He then served as lecturer in communications before coming to MSU to teach speech courses and serve as the director of forensics.

His debate team won the national title in 1982 and captured many event trophies during his years as the debate coach.

He left teaching for several years to start several companies, including Theatre Arts Enterprises, Medical Claims Services and Prologue, LLC.

The owner/publisher of Murray Life Magazine, he serves as senior editor for the Wake Up Book Series. He also has served as acting director of the Community Theatre in Murray.

He is known for his portrayal of the Unknown Scout, Thomas Edison, Mark Twain and most recently, Nathan B. Stubblefield. He also performs at Scottish games throughout the U.S. and has a CD of Scottish stories, "I'll Take the Low Road."

Valentine returned to full-time teaching in 1999 with a split load between JMC and Theatre. In 2001 he became co-head of Elizabeth Residential College with Bob McGaughey and served as the head from 2003-2007. As college head, he set up and taught many sessions in the residence hall and he and McGaughey taught the first for-credit course in the residential college.

He has taught for many years in the annual JMC High School Journalism and Broadcasting Workshop.

He has had more than 100 presentations, programs and workshops since joining the faculty. He and McGaughey each year do several presentations and workshops on "Effective Communications" for businesses, educators and other organizations such as Leadership Hopkins County.

Some of the letters recommending Valentine for the teaching award pointed out his performance in the classroom, noting that his classes were fun and interesting but not easy.

Other letters from his peers noted his versatility, being able to teach advertising, public relations, broadcasting, theatre and speech. His businesses provide him with real-life experiences and information to use effectively in the classroom.

Valentine says he tries to do what businesses try to do in advertising‹you must get peoples' attention before you can tell them anything. "I try to make sure I keep the students' attention through humor, anecdotes, etc.," he explained.

The Regents Teaching Award confirms that his teaching method is very successful.