NCCU Instructor Among 10 Professors Recognized By National Higher Education Publication

Durham, NC – North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Instructor Eric Saliim has been designated as a Teaching Innovator by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Saliim is among 10 professors named for constantly revising their teaching practices and taking risks to develop innovative learning environments that develop special connections with students.

He is the only professor from a historically black college and university (HBCU) to be named for the honor.

To determine the selection, the publication accepted nominations from readers via social media, college teaching advocates and higher-education leaders.

Since 2000, Saliim has taught biology 1100 – general biology, a requirement for non-science majors. He is also the manager of the university’s Fabrication Laboratory.

“Mr. Saliim is a great asset to NCCU, this recognition speaks to his commitment to providing students the tools needed for successful careers in an innovative learning environment,” said Carlton E. Wilson, Ph.D., interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “NCCU has world-class faculty who use ingenious methods in the classroom. Recognition of this sort showcases that innovation is thriving at NCCU.”

His nontraditional classroom methods include incorporating both Twitter and Instagram into his lessons as research instruments.

“The dialogue is wonderful,” Saliim said. “I want to know what I can do to be more accessible to students. I know that they can engage. If they are going to be on social media, I want to be plugged into that.”

Additionally, Saliim’s unique grading process was acknowledged, which utilizes checkpoints throughout the semester, from information-gathering as an assessment for participation to a project that might involve a real-world use for what the student learned while gathering information.

North Carolina Central University prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Consistently ranked as a top Historically Black College or University, NCCU offers flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing and the arts. Founded in 1910, NCCU remains committed to diversity in and access to higher education. Our alumni excel in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. Visit www.nccu.edu.