Knowlton School of Architecture's Jacob Boswell receives Ohio State's highest teaching honor

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Described as someone with a hand in every aspect of the landscape program within the Knowlton School of Architecture, Assistant Professor Jacob Boswell frequently goes above and beyond in his contributions to the betterment of his students and the university.

That dedicated approach to his work has helped him become one of 10 recipients of the 2013 Ohio State Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Jacob Boswell
Boswell has assisted in curriculum revision as part of the semester conversion as well as program accreditations from 2008 through 2011 — all while curating displays of student work, teaching a full load and contributing to local organizations such as the Columbus Neighborhood Design Center and the Lower Olentangy Urban Arboretum Board.

The Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching honors faculty members for superior teaching. Recipients are nominated by present and former students and colleagues and are chosen by a committee of alumni, students, and faculty. They receive a cash award of $3,000, made possible by contributions from the Alumni Association, friends of Ohio State, and the Office of Academic Affairs. They also receive a $1,200 increase in their base salaries from the Office of Academic Affairs. The recipients will be inducted into the university's Academy of Teaching, which provides leadership for the improvement of teaching at Ohio State.

“In all of his endeavors — teaching, research, and community service — Boswell is a model of the Knowlton School’s ethos of technical expertise, cultural awareness and design invention as he creatively addresses the fundamentals of human habitation and the environment,” a nominator wrote.

It’s his work with students that draws some of the loudest praise. Boswell is an effective teacher, thoroughly explaining complex issues and constructively critiquing students’ work. Colleagues note that he has high expectations for himself and that he holds his students to the same standard. Boswell serves as a master thesis committee member, senior thesis advisor and master thesis chair for several students.

“Jake provides Knowlton with a progressive mind that pushes people around him,” one of Boswell’s students commented. “While never the loudest teacher, he leads by example with his personal work, and one-on-one through critique and guidance.”

Boswell earned master’s degrees at Ohio State and has been teaching here since 2005.

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