Distinguished Teaching Award: DR. MELVIN L. BECK, Department of Biology. Dr. Beck joined the University of Memphis in 1974 with a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Beck is a former chair of the Biology Department and now devotes his time to teaching and advising undergraduates, developing the undergraduate curriculum, and providing service to the department, college, and university. Dr. Beck teaches a large section of introductory General Biology and the very challenging upper division Genetics course, yet he consistently receives outstanding evaluations from his appreciative students. In addition to a heavy teaching load, Dr. Beck has 30-40 advisees with whom he makes a special effort to give all the time and effort they need. Jerry Wolff, Chair of the Department, notes that one of Dr. Beck’s greatest assets is “his ability to assess each student individually and respond to his or her needs. He has excellent rapport with students and an innate ability to motivate and inspire them to learn.” Dr. Beck is the chair of the Undergraduate Studies Committee and makes substantial contributions to the entire undergraduate program. He is also considered an authority on many facets of undergraduate education. Dr. Beck is a former winner of the Briggs Award for Teaching Excellence, and he has won the Distinguished Teaching Award once before. Dr. Melvin Beck is, indeed, an extraordinary faculty member, teacher, mentor, and person dedicated to the students of this university. Congratulations, Dr. BECK.