Kays receives excellence in teaching award at Trine

Professor Mark Kays of Trine University receives the 2015 Helen Smith McKetta Excellence in Teache Award in Arts and Sciences from University President Dr. Earl D. Brooks II and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. John Shannon.

Mark Kays, originally from Bainbridge and a graduate of North Putnam High School, Ball State University and Indiana University, received the Helen Smith McKetta Excellence in Teaching Award in Arts and Sciences at the Faculty Commencement Breakfast at Trine University in Angola on May 9.

This award was recommended by students and faculty members and voted on by a panel of previous award recipients.

Professor Kays is currently serving as the music department chairman and the director of instrumental music at Trine. He directs the University Wind Ensemble, the University Orchestra and the Sound of Thunder Marching Band.

In his eight years at Trine University he has also received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Staff Performance in 2008 and the Jannen Renaissance Scholar Award in 2010.

The Helen Smith McKetta Excellence in Teaching Award in Arts and Sciences included a $1,000 monetary award and a $1,000 faculty development award.