Promoting innovative teaching
The Wade Institute for Teaching and Learning creates and implements opportunities for Bridgewater College faculty to develop as educators.
As an institution where all faculty teach, Bridgewater College is dedicated to furthering faculty development and exceptional teaching. The Wade Institute supports faculty innovation and networking through ongoing programming during the semester, which provides time for faculty to come together, share ideas and learn from guest speakers. Sessions highlight best practices and new approaches in the classroom. Faculty are able to discuss, plan and implement the strategies they’ve learned in classes, labs, academic advising and more.
The Wade Institute Director works with College faculty to design and run an Annual Pedagogy Project that begins with daylong workshops each summer and extends throughout the academic year. The Institute also funds the Ben and Janice Wade Outstanding Teaching Award, given annually at the College’s Founder’s Day ceremony to recognize faculty excellence.
Ben and Janice Wade were both proud graduates of Bridgewater College’s class of 1957. Dr. Ben F. Wade was a native of Roanoke, Virginia. After graduating with a bachelor of arts in philosophy and religion from the College, he earned a master of divinity from United Theological Seminary in 1960, a master of sacred theology from Boston University in 1961, a master of science from Columbia University in 1966 and a doctor of philosophy from Hartford Seminary Foundation in 1966.
After serving several institutions as a member of the faculty and administration, Dr. Wade returned to the College in 1979 to serve as the Executive Assistant to the President (1979-1985) and the College’s first Provost (1982-1985). He retired from Florida Southern College as Vice President and Dean of the college.
Mrs. Janice Wine Wade is a native of Washington, D.C. After graduating with a bachelor of arts in French from the College, she earned a master of education from the University of Hartford in 1963. Mrs. Wade taught elementary school, Adult Basic Education and college courses in elementary education.
The Wades were passionate about teaching excellence, and it was a top priority for Dr. Wade during his tenure as the College’s Provost. The Ben and Janice Wade Outstanding Teaching Award, established by the Wades in 1998, is given annually to a Bridgewater College faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding teaching in the classroom during the academic year. The Wades also founded the Albert and Goldie Wine Senior Ministerial Scholarship in 2004, in memory of Janice’s parents. The Wade Institute for Teaching and Learning is named in honor of their lifelong dedication to education.
Mrs. Wade’s father, J. Albert Wine, and brother, Dr. John J. Wine, were members of the Bridgewater College classes of 1930 and 1955, respectively. Ben and Janice Wade had two daughters, Andrea and Laurel.
Questions? Contact us!
CONTACT:
Dr. Robyn Puffenbarger
Director of the Wade Institute for Teaching and Learning
540-828-5713 | rpuffenb@bridgewater.edu
