November 15, 2024
Robert 'Robbie' Bear recognized as Professor of the Week
Robbie Bear, senior instructor in the Division of Biology, was recognized as Professor of the Week at the Nov. 14 women's home basketball game.
Bear has taught at K-State for approximately two decades, and before that, taught at community colleges. He is a central pillar in the Division of Biology undergraduate teaching-focused community.
In his time at K-State, Bear has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students. Bear co-coordinates the Principles of Biology class and was the driving force behind creating Concepts of Biology, meant for non-life-science pathway students. Regarding Principles of Biology, Bear is often a lifeline for struggling students and always thinks about student success. He spends hundreds of hours helping students outside of class time.
Bear is not only student-first in his mindset to helping struggling students but also in classroom design. He is well-educated in effective classroom design and assessment of learning. Since Concepts of Biology, which he led development on, came into existence, the course series has grown tremendously, due primarily to student-to-student information sharing that the class is great. Bear also serves as co-chair of biology's curriculum committee, co-coordinator of assessment of biology's service level objectives, and as a faculty advisor. In the last role, he helped many students on their pathways to success in college and afterward. He is truly an outstanding faculty member in biology.
The Professor of the Week recognition is coordinated by Faculty Senate, the president's office, K-State Athletics and the Division of Communications and Marketing. Recipients are faculty members selected by Faculty Senate caucuses. Those selected are provided tickets to a men's or women's home basketball game of their choosing and are recognized during halftime. This is just a small token of appreciation for those who teach at K-State.