In Honor of: Dr. Mary Morris and her exceptional work with character development. Her influence impacted not only on the Lipscomb campus, but also in the broader Nashville community, as well as the national educational environment.

Description of Award: The Teacher Education Program faculty will award The Mary Morris Character Award to a graduating student who displays the qualities, character traits, and dispositions as described in “Character Counts” during his/her study in the classroom and as a student teacher. Specifically, the award criteria are based on the “Six Pillars of Character Counts” as follows:

• Shows Care and Concern for Others (Caring)
• Is Forthright and Truthful when Dealing with Others (Trustworthiness)
• Pursues Excellence is All He/She Does (Responsibility)
• Listens with an Open Mind (Fairness)
• Respects Authority and Seeks Personal Improvement (Citizenship)
• Is Courteous and Polite to All People (Respect)
• Displays Professionalism
• Maintains High Ethical Standards and Behavior

The Teacher Education Program faculty can choose to make the award as warranted by the qualities of the graduating students. The faculty may also solicit input and nominations from others who know the graduating students’ work and dispositions.