University of Dubuque Announces John R. Stewart Faculty Research Award

Nov 4, 2011 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

The University of Dubuque announces the establishment of the John R. Stewart Faculty Research Award.  The award, named in honor of the University's former vice president of academic affairs, will encourage scholarship at the college level. 

This competitive award will take the form of release time for teachers - from 3-6 credit hours of teaching responsibilities during the fall or spring semester in order to allow for a well developed and structured scholarly research schedule.  It is expected that anywhere from three to six faculty members will be granted the award each academic year.

John Stewart served as the University's vice president of academic affairs from 2001-2010, and is now serving as special assistant to the President. 

"John provided strong, determined, and compassionate leadership to the University through one of the most tumultuous times in our history," stated President Bullock.  "Under his leadership, the teaching faculty become a strong, thoughtful, and dedicated team.  His scholarly contributions to his discipline have shown the way for both those who have had the good fortune to be his students and countless others who have been inspired to "build bridges not walls" through his many books, articles, and presentations."

Stewart began his teaching career at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the University of Southern California.  Prior to his appointment at the University of Dubuque, he had been a member of the faculty at the University of Washington for 32 years.  While at the University of Washington he was recognized for excellence in teaching when he was awarded the Special Merit Recognition for Exceptional Teaching in the College of Arts (1990) and Professor of the Quarter (1996).  In 1999, the Western States Communication Association presented him with the coveted Master Teacher Award.

John Stewart's list of publications - books, journal articles, professional presentations, and distinguished lectureships - is extensive.  Stewart's book, Bridges Not Walls: A Book About Interpersonal Communication, published by McGraw Hill, is in its 11th edition, and is widely used in interpersonal communication at colleges and universities around the nation.  He is currently at work on a new book for general audiences titled Moments of Meeting: Listening and Talking in an Age of Apps, Texts, and Tweets.