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Monmouth University Names 2014 Distinguished Teacher of the Year

Monmouth University has awarded James P. Mack, Ed.D. its coveted “Distinguished Teacher Award” for 2014. Mack is a professor of biology at Monmouth University.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas S. Pearson stated: “Dr. Mack’s trademarks for many years have been the organization and passion that he brings to his classroom, both in conveying his love for his subject and its applications as well as his personal concern for each of his students. Dr. Mack is proud of the accomplishments of his students, who are successful Monmouth alumni, and uses this information to inspire current students to excel in their classes and research with him.”

Mack received his B.S. from Monmouth College in 1962, M.A. from William Paterson College in 1966, and Ed.D. from Columbia University in 1971. He has taught at Monmouth for the last 41 years, principally in the area of cell physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy and physiology. His recent research involving undergraduate students has focused on using essential oils to combat the threat of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Mack served as chair of the Department of Biology from 1981 to 1984 and provided 38 years of dedicated service on the Pre-Professional Health Advisory Committee as founding member and as the director. He was the recipient of three Student Choice Awards (1988, 1990, 1998), the Alumni Association Award (1999), American Chemical Society – Monmouth County Section, Virgil F. Payne Award (1991) and the Donald Warncke Award (1999). In 1983, Governor Thomas Kean appointed Mack to the New Jersey Clean Water Council where he served until 1990 – including as the vice-chair of the council in 1985. He also served on the Monmouth County Water Resources Association from 1986 to 1991. At the University, Mack has served on numerous key faculty committees including as chair of the Faculty Council for seven years (1977-1984) and as a member of the MU Alumni Board of Directors since 1985.

Mack lives in Ocean, NJ, with his wife, Alida, who is also a Monmouth alumna (1964, 1985) and is a retired first grade teacher and reading specialist. They have two children. Lisa, a Monmouth alumna (1995), is a public health epidemiologist, and James Jr. (Jay) is a Broadway musician in New York City.