Joan "Rosi" Rosebush

The University of Vermont (UVM) Alumni Association has named Joan "Rosi" Rosebush the 2022 recipient of the George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award. Rosi is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Student Success in the Department of Mathematics in the UVM College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.

Each year, the Kidder Award honors one full-time University of Vermont faculty member for excellence in teaching and extraordinary contributions to the enrichment of campus life. Established in memory of Dr. George V. Kidder, UVM Class of 1922, this prestigious award has been presented annually since 1974. The late George Kidder served the University for more than 70 years, including as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

"She thinks of others and teaches our students to do the same. The students and her colleagues respect her input, her ability to support their academic goals, and her kindness. Rosi is not students' favorite because she helps them take shortcuts. On the contrary, what she does is take the time to teach them how to be successful, and respectful. I have huge respect for her," said Linda Schadler, Dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. "Just as she motivates students to learn beyond the classroom walls, Rosi continually presses beyond her own."

Some of the comments received from students and faculty colleagues about Rosi during the nomination process include:

"Professor Rosebush has proved to me that a challenging, time-consuming course does not have to be so daunting...She motives me to want to go to class and provokes interest and enthusiasm regarding every topic she teaches." (Student)

"Rosi embodies all that the Award represents...Whether helping a student in crisis, lending an ear to a new faculty member, or posting a congratulatory GIF on Teams, Rosi enriches our campus community every day." (colleague)

"Simply put, I would not be where I today without the guidance and time that Rosi gave me during my years at UVM. I would not live where I do, work where I do, or have my beautiful family. I owe Rosi for everything. My life would be extraordinarily different without Rosi taking the time that she did." (Alumni)

Rosi's areas of focus span from basic mathematics to all levels of calculus to advanced engineering mathematics. She is a passionate teacher whose ongoing interest in education and mathematics has allowed her to excel as an educator, and her students to excel in their learning.

She is incredibly supportive as a mentor, advisor, and club advisor who greatly impacts her students and maintains relationships well beyond graduation. Rosi is also a well-respected campus leader, serving in a variety of roles at the Department, College, and University level. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker on campus and nationally.

Rosi earned a B.A. in elementary education with a focus in mathematics from SUNY Cortland in 1978 and an M.Ed. in mathematics education from St. Michael's College in 1981. She has taught at the University of Vermont for 32 years. The UVM Alumni Association and previous Kidder Award recipients plan to honor Rosi in the autumn of 2022.