Dr. Paul J. Meiman

2011 Early Career Teaching Award

The Range Science Education Council and the Society for Range Management proudly present the 2011 Early Career Teaching Award to Dr. Paul J. Meiman of the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Stewardship at Colorado State University.  The Early Career Teaching Award recognizes individuals who are in the early stages of their career who demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate students.

In the 5 years that Dr. Meiman has been at Colorado State University, his teaching load has been substantial.  He has been responsible for teaching 7 different courses spanning the breadth of the CSU range curriculum, 2 of which he also developed. In addition, he is advisor for over 20 students each year, serves as faculty advisor for the CSU Rangeland Ecology Club, and is assistant coach of the CSU Undergraduate Range Management Exam Team.  He has also been a leader in the redesign of the CSU Rangeland curriculum and has been instrumental in developing experiential learning opportunities for classes and student organizations at CSU through development and management of a long-abandoned university ranch property.

Dr. Meiman “is a talented educator who is committed to the success of his students and the success of” the CSU “Rangeland Ecosystem Science degree program”.  He is described by current and former students as “respectful”, “challenging”, “devoted to students”, possessing “extraordinary teaching skills”, “a lifelong mentor”, and “encouraging”. He is known for his positive, welcoming attitude, his genuine interest in students’ lives, his warm, caring, and intelligent character, and his passion for providing students with a quality learning experience, which often results in long-term friendships that extend past graduation.  Dr. Meiman is generous with his time and attention, taking every opportunity to know and understand his students, both in and outside the classroom.  Students appreciate his encouragement, counsel, and support; his impact on students’ lives and careers was a theme repeated time and again in student letters.

Despite being a relatively new instructor, Dr. Paul Meiman has clearly excelled in this role, and has been a positive influence on his students and profession.  Dr. Meiman was recognized by the Society for Range Management as an Outstanding Young Range Professional in 2007, and was selected by CSU undergraduate students as the Outstanding Professor in Rangeland Ecology.  For his positive contributions in the classroom and beyond, the Range Science Education Council and Society for Range Management are proud to recognize Dr. Paul J. Meiman with the 2011 Early Career Teaching Award.