President Bob Davies and political science department faculty paid a visit to Room 509 in Faculty Hall Tuesday morning to present Winfield Rose, professor in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the 2015 Distinguished Professor award.

The award, despite its relatively small size, carries with it honor and recognition of a faculty member’s teaching excellence, classroom performance, concern for students, professional activity and service to the University and community.

The award, established in 1964, is given out every year by surprising the recipient with a classroom visit. The award is shaped, and Davies said was appropriately nicknamed, “the Golden Apple.”

David Moss, president of the University’s Alumni Association, presented the award to Rose, who said receiving the award was the first time in his life that he has ever been speechless.

Rose said he has fun as a professor and has enjoyed the past 36 years he has taught at Murray State.

“This is my life,” Rose said of his career. “I have fun every day. I look forward to every class and it flies by and then I look at my watch and say, ‘Oh my goodness it’s 12:15, I have to quit.’”

Davies, who was thanked by Rose for his leadership at Murray State, said Rose did much more important work than Davies did: teaching students.

In addition to the award, Rose will be given a $1,000 cash reward, he will lead the faculty processional at the spring commencement exercises and will have his name added to the Distinguished Professor plaque in Faculty Hall. A student also will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship in Rose’s honor.

Rose will be recognized for the Distinguished Professor award at the Faculty Banquet April 16, along with others who have received awards for this year.

Story by Mary Bradley, Editor-in-Chief