Wada named 2015 NSCS Teaching Excellence honoree

Associate Professor of Justice Studies at Chadron State College, James Wada, was awarded the 2015 Teaching Excellence Award from the NSCS Board of Trustees last Thursday during the NSCS Trustees dinner hosted at CSC. This award has been given annually since 1986 to one faculty member from each of the state colleges (Chadron State College, Peru State College, and Wayne State College) who demonstrates innovation, leadership, and service to the institution and NSCS. The college received three nominations to be considered by the Board of Trustees, who then chose the honoree in April. A desk plaque and $3,000 stipend on behalf of the Board of Trustees were presented to Wada as a part of the award.

Wada received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice from Boise State University. He also received a doctorate of philosophy in higher education administration from Washington State University in Pullman. Wada joined the CSC staff as an assistant professor in 2007. He is now the chair of justice studies and an associate professor at the institution. Wada has taught several courses at CSC including courses regarding to criminology, youth crime and gangs, forensic studies, introduction to policing, and courses in the criminal justice studies honors program. He has traveled to conferences at regional and national levels along with traveling to London to study with students.

Letters that were written for his nomination of the award contained several comments complimenting his values, involvement, and dedication to the college. One of the letters said that he “is an excellent member of the Chadron State College community, he is a committed educator, and a trusted colleague, and dedicated volunteer, and a great leader.” Others included how outstanding his volunteerism on campus is; they commented on how he is at every event that needs help in any way. They also complimented his teaching style, which includes his ability to connect with his students and provide several hands on activities. The Board of Trustees said the decision was tough but emphasized how the award Wada received was “well-deserved.”

“I used to think that what I accomplished I did on my own, and I realized as I got older what a foolish concept that was,” Wada said. “I couldn’t have been recognized for this without many people.” He continued by thanking many people who have always supported everything he did and helped making everything he does possible.

Richard Clopton of Peru State College, and Barbara Engebretsen of Wayne State College, were nominees for the teaching award.