Chesnut presented Excellence in Teaching Award

Associate Professor of Business Tim Chesnut, center, was presented with the 2024-25 Excellence in Teaching Award, by Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Eric Stetler, left, and Chief Academic Officer/Executive Vice President Colleen Derr during commencement ceremonies on May 3.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Associate Professor Tim Chesnut was presented the Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2024-25 academic year. He received the honor during the 65th Commencement ceremonies at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on May 3. Faculty receiving this honor are selected by MVNU students and faculty and have distinguished themselves for their dedication to excellence in and out of the classroom.

Chesnut has served as Associate Professor of Business in the Jetter School of Professional Studies since 1996 and as the department chair of the Bachelor of Business Administration Program since 1998. He is a 1990 graduate of MVNU with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Administration. He also holds an MBA in Finance from The Ohio State University.

“Professor Chesnut brings real world experience into every course he teaches. He’s a practitioner who grounds theory and application and students notice,” said Dr. Eric Stetler, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “One student shared, ‘The hard work and preparation of Professor Chesnut put into every class was obvious. He made sure everyone understood what he was saying, he took his time, kept things interesting and still managed to challenge us.’ … Professor Chesnut is widely respected for his clarity, consistency, and commitment to excellence. Yet, perhaps more importantly, he is known for his integrity, his humility, and his genuine care for his students.”

Chesnut is a second-generation professor at MVNU. His mother, Judy Chesnut-Ruiz, is an Associate Professor Emerita of Spanish, serving from 1968 to 2003. His father, Glen Chesnut, was a Professor of History at MVNU for 26 years before retiring.