Anton Baudoin, associate professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has received the university's 2017 William E. Wine Award.

The William E. Wine Award was established in 1957 by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association in memory of William E. Wine, Class of 1904, who was a former rector of the Board of Visitors and Alumni Association president. Following a college-level selection process of candidates nominated by students, faculty, and alumni, each college may put forth one nominee. From this group, three faculty members are selected annually. Each Wine Award winner receives $2,000 and automatic induction into the Academy of Teaching Excellence.

Since his appointment in 1981, Baudoin has collaborated in the development of and is currently teaching six different courses, ranging from introductory to advanced graduate-level plant pathology or weed science. Along with these courses, he is advising/co-advising two Ph.D. and two M.S. students and additionally co-chairing the Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science Curriculum Committee and chairing the plant and pest management option of the online M.S. program in agriculture.

“He is widely respected by colleagues and students alike for his indefatigable devotion to his students, high standards for his own teaching, and the variety of topics he is able to teach,” wrote Boris A. Vinatzer, plant pathology, physiology, and weed science interim head, and Mary Ann Hansen,  Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science Awards Committee chair, in a letter of nomination. “Not only has he consistently demonstrated his passion for teaching over the years, but he has provided unwavering support for the department’s teaching mission in general.”

As an example of Baudoin’s innovative and interactive teaching style, many reference his Plant Disease Notebook. Students select their own examples of diseased plants, study them in-depth, and enter their findings into a notebook that is then evaluated through a 30-minute oral interview worth one credit. Over the 20 years of using this assignment, Baudoin has received many positive reviews from his students and has garnered inspiration through the hands-on approach. 

Baudoin’s teaching philosophy is centered on ensuring student success through offering them a breadth of choice, challenges, and understanding.

In 2016, Baudoin was awarded his second College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Certificate of Teaching Excellence, and over the course of his career has received numerous awards recognizing his significant contributions to teaching.

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