Robert Chappell has a passion.

Chappell, head of percussion studies in the music department, always has enjoyed the influence music brings to his students when he teaches.

Chappell, along with Gerald Gabris, has been selected for the 2003 Presidential Teaching Professors award.

According to interim vice provost Robert Wheeler, a selection committee, with representatives from all seven of the university’s colleges and the Alumni Association, evaluated student recommendations, letters of support from faculty and the candidates’ statements about their teaching philosophy in reaching a decision.

“I will continue to get better and improve my teaching,” Chappell said. “This will give me some resources that I obviously wouldn’t have if I didn’t get the award. I will have some financial resources to travel and get various educational equipment to help the students in the program.”

Chappell always has wanted to teach.

“Musicians throughout the centuries have passed on their knowledge to the next generation,” Chappell said. “In music, it is distinct one-on-one mentoring then teaching a class of one hundred. It is a little more difficult in large classes to get to know the students individually. I feel very lucky to have that opportunity.”

Chappell said the ability to like his job is something that keeps him enthusiastic about what he does on a daily basis.

“I wanted to find a position that allowed me to continue to be creative as a musician, but also pass on the kind of passion I have for music onto my students,” Chappell said. “It is really important to be passionate about what we do here. Obviously as musicians, we are not going to make a lot of money, but to have a true love of what we do makes us a lot luckier than a lot of people.”

Chappell started his college career at General Motors Institute as an engineering major, but found himself playing more music than studying science.

He then went to Ohio State University and completed his graduate work at the University of North Texas.

Gerald Gabris has taught at NIU for the last 17 years.

Although the award itself will not affect Gabris’ teaching style, it will help with class resources.

“It will not affect my teaching style other than to reinforce much of what I am already doing,” Gabris said. “I will try to utilize resources available through the Presidential Teaching Professors to augment and expand certain things I already do in my courses.”

Gabris graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia, with a bachelor of arts with honors in political science, a master of arts in political science and a Ph.D. in political science with a subfield in organization sociology.

“When I was a master’s student at the University of Missouri, I had considered either law school or graduate school,” Gabris said. “Due to the high quality of my professors in political science, I decided that university teaching would be a rewarding and enjoyable career. So about 1973, I decided to go after my Ph.D. and strive to be a university professor. I have never regretted this decision. Teaching at the university level is one of the best, most stimulating careers one can have.”

Wheeler believes that Chappell and Gabris have stood out as professors who have influenced students’ lives.

“These teachers have received extraordinary support from former students, who speak eloquently about the commitment that these faculty members demonstrate to students both inside and outside the classroom,” Wheeler said. “The award provides a clear signal to the NIU community that the administration places a high value on effective teaching, continues to provide very substantial support to those who are chosen to be Presidential Teaching Professors.”

Wheeler also believes that the award will provide strong evidence to Chappell and Gabris that their teaching activities make a big difference in the lives of students to motivate them and continue to enhance their efforts.

The Convocation for Academic Excellence will be held at 5 p.m. on April 13 at the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom. At this ceremony, the winners of Presidential Teaching Professorship, the winners of Presidential Research Professorship, the winners of the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Awards, the graduates of the University Honors Program and a number of distinguished graduate students will be recognized.