Some professors might seem out of touch with students, but Alexander Holmes, OU economics professor, stands out by inspiring integrity in students.
Holmes is one of 15 finalists for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars’ Inspire Integrity Award. His former student, Alan Brashears, business sophomore, nominated him for the annual award.
Brashears said he first took a class with Holmes in the spring of 2008 and nominated him in the fall, when he learned about the award.
“There are many talented professors at OU and Professor Holmes stands out among them,” Brashears said in an e-mail. “His love of the subject and ability to teach it effectively stimulates continued interest in his students.”
Holmes said he thinks integrity is important because it teaches students how to be honest after college, but he said he has seen a decline in students’ integrity.
Students who lack academic integrity now will be more likely to lack professional integrity, he said.
Holmes hopes to inspire more than just integrity in his students.
“With many of today’s students, the love for learning is being lost — professor Holmes is helping them find it again,” Brashears said.
Understanding material is very important to Holmes, economics senior Alissa Myers said.
“You can tell that he really wants you to learn the material,” she said.
Holmes said he wants his students to see a broader world and be prepared to deal with one beyond the disciplines studied at OU, he said.
“I will inevitably be turning the world over to you people,” Holmes said.
In an effort to get students to participate in campus activities, Holmes offers to pay for half of any OU culture event his students attend.
Campus activities aren’t Holmes’ only incentive program, though.
Holmes carves wooden bowls for any student receiving an A in his honors classes.
He started giving the bowls to students in 1994 as a way to clean out his house, and is now a tradition, he said.
Myers, who received a bowl, said the idea of getting it was a great incentive for students.
The personal touch has helped students keep in contact with Holmes after the semester ends, she said.
Holmes has been supportive by offering advice on classes and graduate schools, Myers said.
After 36 years of teaching economics at OU, Holmes said he still loves teaching and doesn’t get bored with the same subject because each semester’s new students make the class interesting.
