Robert Smith Earns Weiss Fellowship at Cornell

ITHACA, NY (02/04/2011)(readMedia)-- Cornell University professor of Labor Economics, Robert Smith, has been honored with a 2011 Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellowship – the university's most prestigious teaching award.

Smith received his undergraduate degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1962 before earning a Ph.D from Stanford University in 1971.

The fellowship – given each year to tenured Cornell faculty members who display sustained records of inspiring and distinguished teaching of undergraduate students – comes with $5,000 per year for five years, to be used for any university-related purpose.

Smith was described as embodying "the very best of the culture of mentorship" at the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He played a key role in the school's efforts to improve the quality of teaching and overall educational experience of undergraduates, his award letter states. In addition to serving on Cornell's Mental Health Commission and other committees, Smith was also described as "a brilliant teacher and adviser whose door is always open."

The 2011 Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellowships were announced by the Cornell Board of Trustees at its Jan. 21-22 meeting in New York City. The award was established in 1993 and is given to select faculty nominated by academic staff and students.

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