THIBODAUX, La. – Dr. Chad Young, professor of physics at Nicholls State University, has been named the 2022 William Craig Distinguished University Educator Award recipient by the Louisiana Science Teachers Association.
Since 2005, Professor Chad Young has taught at Nicholls, directing research programs for NSF, NASA, LaSIP, MSP, and Nicholls Research Council with a focus on star formation, physics education, and physics of human performance. He is an astronomer, educator, and ardent student advocate.
“As an educator and previous administrator, I value the gateway that science provides to students. I was the first member of my family to attend college; my father worked in a tire business and my mother cleaned houses. “With a modest aptitude and a strong interest in math and science, I discovered opportunities that allowed me to discover new stars, create new concepts, and alter our perception of the world,” stated Dr. Young. “STEM education provides comparable opportunity for pupils in the Bayou region. Many Nicholls Chemical alumni have paved the way in medicine, material science, chemistry, astronomy, industry, and other fields of research. They are healing our diseases, defending our communities, and literally altering the course of history for future generations. STEM is a tremendously potent instrument in their hands.”
Young received his Doctorate in 2005 from the University of Texas at Austin and his MDiv in 2019 from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Young received the Nicholls’ Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence in 2014, which is given yearly to one faculty member, and the Nicholls’ Apple Award for Outstanding Faculty Support of Student Activities in 2017.
Visit https://www.nicholls.edu/chemistry/ to learn more about Nicholls Chemistry and Physical Sciences.
Dr. William W. Craig was a professor of geology at the University of New Orleans. The Louisiana Science Teachers Association has established a memorial prize in his honor. Even though he was a research scientist, Dr. Craig had a significant impact on educators in grades K-12. This award intends to acknowledge university faculty members who, like Dr. Craig, have made a difference in the careers of K-12 educators. The William Craig Excellent University Educator Award consists of a $100 gift certificate, a commemorative plaque, and mention in the Program.
Their website, https://lsta.info/awards, contains additional information about the award and LSTA.