Associate Professor of Business Tim Chesnut was honored with the 2024-25 Excellence in Teaching Award during Mount Vernon Nazarene University's commencement ceremonies on May 3. The award was presented by Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Eric Stetler and Chief Academic Officer/Executive Vice President Colleen Derr.
The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes faculty members selected by MVNU students and faculty for their dedication to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Chesnut, who has been an Associate Professor at the Jetter School of Professional Studies since 1996 and department chair of the Bachelor of Business Administration Program since 1998, received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Administration from MVNU in 1990 and an MBA in Finance from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Eric Stetler commented on Chesnut's teaching style, saying, “Professor Chesnut brings real world experience into every course he teaches. He’s a practitioner who grounds theory and application and students notice.” A student noted, “The hard work and preparation 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.”
Chesnut is recognized not only for his clarity, consistency, and commitment to excellence but also for his integrity, humility, and genuine care for his students. He is a second-generation professor at MVNU; his mother Judy Chesnut-Ruiz served as Associate Professor Emerita of Spanish from 1968 to 2003, while his father Glen Chesnut taught history at the university for 26 years before retiring.
