Timothy Bolton

Excellence in Teaching Award by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Virginia Tech

The award, presented by the center to approximately nine Virginia Tech faculty members each academic year, recognizes a faculty member's effective, engaged, and dynamic approaches and achievements as an educator.

Among the goals of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning are advancing experiential learning at Virginia Tech and improving student learning through research-based instructional practices and student-centered design. According to Bolton, his approach to teaching attempts “to incorporate all teaching styles so that all students find the material accessible and understandable.”

Jennifer Hodgson, a current colleague in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, said this about Bolton: “Dr. Bolton exemplifies the characteristics of an outstanding clinical educator.  He is able to teach complex clinical problems in ways that are easily understood, enabling students to learn strategies that they are able to apply during their clinical training as well as post-graduation in veterinary practice. He frequently goes above and beyond the classroom and clinical time, providing additional tutorials to ensure the success of all the students in the class.”

David Grant, another one of Bolton’s colleagues, noticed that Bolton consistently puts education first as a faculty member. David described that Bolton “spends extensive time with the students, ensuring they understand the material and skills he is teaching them. He provides review sessions for students who are struggling. He has received teaching Awards nearly every year he has worked at Virginia Tech, and has been nominated for the highest teaching award available at the veterinary college, the Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award, every year he has worked here, including his very first semester.”

Another current colleague, Bobbi Conner, described Bolton as “one of the most dedicated teachers” she has observed. Conner also commented on how Bolton “is tireless in his dedication to ensuring students have been fully supported in their learning journey…” 

When asked to recall his most memorable and meaningful moment as a teacher, Bolton said, “Watching a student finally grasp that concept they have been struggling hard to understand.”

Bolton provided the following advice for new college teachers: “Never settle for anything less than your best.”