SIS Faculty Member Receives National Teaching Award

BATON ROUGE – The Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) recognized Dr. Edward Benoit, III as the 2023 senior faculty recipient of the ALISE Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Benoit is an Associate Professor and the Associate Director of the LSU School of Information Studies (SIS).

The ALISE Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes excellence in educating the next generation of library and information professionals. Awardees are nominated by faculty, current students, and alumni. Dr. Benoit’s nomination highlighted his student-centered approach to teaching, the development of new programs and partnerships, his role as a mentor to current students and alumni, his integration of theory, practice and research in the classroom, and his work pushing archival pedagogy forward.

According to one of the alumni letters of support, “[Dr. Benoit] created a community of students that worked to support each other’s knowledge-making and provided each and every one of us with personalized advice and resources to aid our growth. From internships, online coffee hours, reading lists, and case study puzzles, you name it, I was offered it.” Another noted, “His teaching, led with compassion, allowed for students to come as they are, in a safe and respectful environment.”

Former students also commented on Dr. Benoit’s ability to make the online learning environment feel less removed from the Baton Rouge campus. One noted, “Despite completing my entire MLIS program through LSU Online, Dr. Benoit presence was palpable and allowed me to comfortably achieve my academic goals. His ability to mentor students personally provided an individualistic experience to learn and grow regardless of proximity to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.”

Reflecting on his teaching passion in the community, an alumni stated, “After the 2016 flood, Professor Benoit posted information and was invited to the local television station to present on various preservation steps and techniques that citizens could utilize to salvage any personal treasures that were damaged. That was the first time I ever witnessed a university level professor care about the community outside the classroom and demonstrate library science practices for a real-life scenario. To this day, I still recommend his techniques to anyone that asks me about flood damage.”

School of Information Studies director Dr. Carol Barry said, “It is difficult to convey the passion and sheer joy with which Dr. Benoit approaches every aspect of his role, from classroom instruction to student advising to mentoring our graduates throughout their careers.”

When asked about what the award means to him, Dr. Benoit stated, “I am profoundly humbled to receive this award and the ongoing support from our alumni and students. I am also thankful that our school and college provide an environment that supports the development of innovative teaching.”

About SIS

The LSU School of Information Studies (SIS) is the home of the Master of Library and Information Science, which is the only program accredited by the American Library Association in the state of Louisiana. In addition to the online MLIS program, SIS offers entirely online graduate certificates in Archival Studies, Records & Information Management, and School Librarianship. SIS also offers an undergraduate minor in digital studies and several ILC courses. SIS is a member of the iSchools, a group of Information Schools dedicated to advancing the information field, and is part of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education.

Visit the School of Information Studies website.

About CHSE

The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs, 18 graduate programs, and 7 online graduate degree and/or certificate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,120 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan