SIGD Faculty Wins Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award

Sponsored by the Auburn Alumni Association, the annual award recognizes outstanding teaching of undergraduates by Auburn faculty members nominated by their department heads, deans and former and current students. A committee of retired faculty selects the recipients.

Bush was credited repeatedly by those recent and former students nominating him as a professor whose teaching talents were without parallel, but also as a role model whose influence affected them far beyond just the classroom.

“Even more memorable than his teaching skills is the impact his character and guidance have had on Auburn students,” wrote one. “Whether I was questioning my choice of major, seeking help on a project or just needing life advice, I always found myself in his office. He was the professor I turned to not only for academic support, but also for navigating the challenges of life beyond the classroom.”

Another student noted that Bush never stopped learning himself and was always looking for new and innovative ways to help students understand the curriculum.

“One aspect that always stood out to me is his willingness to learn and grow as an instructor to better serve his students,” she wrote. “I witnessed firsthand how he would expand his own knowledge whenever students needed assistance, ensuring no student was left to solve problems on their own. Ben goes out of his way to learn new subjects to provide the best possible support and education to his students.”

Several former students, now professionals, also testified to Bush’s enthusiasm for his subject and his love for teaching.

“Ben is a professor because he loves it,” wrote one alumnus of the special  interest Bush takes in each of his students.  “He could have gone out in the world and designed products, but he chose instead to design people. He cares about his students from the moment they walk through his door to the time when he can proudly call them alumni. He gives them the greatest gift he can—his time.”

A second alumnus highlighted Bush’s constant effort to expand his teaching methods to give his students valuable connections and experience beyond the classroom.

“Ben is unwaveringly invested in the growth and development of his students—striving not just to create good design leaders, but good citizens of the world. Through piloting a program to connect current students with alumni, he’s helped Auburn designers connect across generations and grow pivotal relationships.

“He’s also leveraged his personal connections to consistently bring in alumni to share their professional experiences with students. Those connections to formers students alone are invaluable and speak to what a positive effect he has as an educator.”

Dr. Wei Wang, Professor and Head of SIGD, seconded the observations of the students and said the award was extremely well deserved.

“Ben Bush is dedicated to understanding his students’ interests and fostering their personal growth and professional development,” Wang said. “In addition to delivering outstanding instruction in his studios, he has actively sought support from Auburn Industrial Design alumni through a mentorship program. His efforts exemplify the qualities of an exceptional design educator.”

The award came as something of a happy surprise according to Bush, who noted professors don’t get many opportunities to compare notes on teaching success or measure the impact they are having on their students.