ACTAA Teacher of the Year Moves into Advancement Position

Arts and Entertainment Editor

Photo by Douglas Boultinghouse

Scott Kuttenkuler

   Scott Kuttenkuler, instructor of Speech and director of Forensics at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, recently moved into the position of director of Development in the office of Advancement.

   He also recently received the College Teacher of the Year award from the Arkansas Communication and Theater Arts Association at its annual convention Sept. 11-12.

   A biography released after his win lists many of his achievements including:

• Seven years of membership in the Arkansas Communication and Theater Arts Association
• One year as the Assistant director of Speech and Debate
• Six years as the Director of the UAM Speech and Debate Program
• Placed in the top five in the nation for the last 4 years with a national championship in 2007
• Sponsored members of the UAM team on the Montgomery Cup Tour, a tournament that traveled through England and Scotland competing against several British schools

  
   Kuttenkuler said he does not plan to walk away from teaching, but after winning the award, told himself, “You have reached this level, it is time to go to the next.”

   He said he plans to continue working with the Debate Program on a limited basis, helping out when needed and fulfilling commitments made to students.

   Looking on to the next level, “I’m excited,” he said. “I’ve got a lot to learn.”

   Passionate about UAM, he said he would not have taken the job if it were at another school, adding that the ability to succeed professionally at UAM made the offer a great opportunity.

   “(Kuttenkuler) was chosen for the position due to his professionalism, leadership skills and proven track record,” Clay Brown, vice chancellor for University Relations and Student Affairs, said. “Effective teaching requires more than just instruction; it requires a personal interaction with students, daily preparation, charisma and ethics. Scott has truly demonstrated these skills in the classroom and I know he will bring this same skill-set with him to increase both our friend-raising and fund-raising for the University.”

   On his new position, Kuttenkuler said, “We have an amazing staff, so I am being cautious and learning.”

   He said he learns everyday how exciting the office can be.

   Carrie Ashcraft, director of Alumni Affairs, said she plans to work hand-in-hand with Kuttenkuler on alumni and development projects.

   “He’s been so excited and ready to go,” she said. “That gets us excited about things to come.”

   Kuttenkuler will work part-time in the office of Advancement until January in order to finish teaching classes and debate and will be in the office full-time after then.

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