BUCKHANNON, West Virginia —  For her creativity, her leadership and the genuine care she brings to the lives of her students and colleagues, Dr. Ashley Lawson, was presented with the Award for Exemplary Teaching at the annual Founders Day celebration held in Wesley Chapel recently.

Lawson is a professor of English and has been department chair, director of the honors program and chair of faculty senate. However, her colleagues pointed to more than that, calling her the “ideal Wesleyan professor.”

Provost Dr. Lynn M. Linder said, “[Lawson] is everything a teacher strives to be: creative and challenging, while also deeply understanding and committed to nurturing the individual talents of every student.”

One student wrote, “I always looked forward to going to class. Every course has been outstanding and my absolute favorite ones here at Wesleyan.”

Linder said, “These comments reflect more than enthusiasm for course content and delivery. They speak to a professor who makes challenging material accessible, invites students to engage with

Lawson said, “I feel truly honored to receive this award. Wesleyan is a school that has high standards for its faculty when it comes to our work in the classroom, so to be acknowledged as standing out within this group of stellar teachers really means a lot.”

Lawson teaches classes in American literature, gender studies, gothic literature and composition. 

“I’ve been affiliated with WVWC in some form for 20 years, and I’ve been back in the English Department continuously since 2012,” she said. “ What I most like about my job is that I can create unusual classes on topics that I am passionate about and that I get to share my scholarly interests with so many smart, thoughtful students.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 136 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2027 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan 4th in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.