The Mary E. Foster Webb and Henry Thomas “Toby” Webb, Jr. Award for Excellence in Teaching was first awarded in 2019. The Webb children created the award – Tom Webb and Mary Webb Lathan – in honor of their parents, who were beloved educators in our community. Mrs. Webb was a teacher for approximately 30 years – most of her career was spent as an educator for the Albemarle city schools. Dr. Webb began teaching and coaching at Albemarle High School in 1947. In 1959 he became the first principal of Albemarle Junior High School. He went on to serve as principal of Albemarle Sr. High, and in 1966 he became Superintendent of Albemarle City Schools, where he served until his retirement. He received an honorary doctorate from Pfeiffer University in 1976.

Dr. and Mrs. Webb valued education, and they made an incredible impact on the lives of their students. In that spirit, the Webb Award is meant to recognize, publicly acknowledge and reward Pfeiffer faculty committed to outstanding teaching. Recipients are nominated by members of the graduate or undergraduate student body and ultimately selected by a committee, including a faculty member, a staff member, undergraduate and graduate student body representatives, and the provost.

The recipient of the Webb Award receives a $1,000 cash award and a $1,000 professional development award.

This year’s recipient of the Webb Excellence in Teaching Award is Dr. Carrie DeJaco. She earns respect and admiration of her students by serving as a role model and keeping their best interests at the forefront of her pedagogy. Dr. DeJaco is innovative, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented; her class time and assignments are well thought out and work synergistically to enhance student experiences. She has a way of breaking down complex topics into simple conversations. She ensures she effectively presents the “why” for all topics covered. Students leave her class understanding not only why topics and concepts are important but also how they relate to them as an individual. She has an exceptional ability to meet students where they are. She is happy to set aside her time in support of their success. Dr. DeJaco quickly goes from “professor” to “mentor”. Not only does she impart knowledge, but she inspires and pushes her students to be lifelong learners as well. It is safe to say, that Dr. Carrie DeJaco enhances her surroundings; we are all the better for knowing and interacting with her.

Please congratulate our colleague Carrie DeJaco on this well-earned award.