Dr. Kelly Suero, assistant professor of Spanish, is the recipient of Troy University’s 2019 Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.

Suero received the award during the University’s annual Honors Convocation held Thursday night in the Claudia Crosby Theater on the Troy Campus.

The Ingalls Award is given annually to the teacher on the Troy Campus who has “most diligently, effectively and cheerfully conducted his or her classes during the current academic year.” Students nominate faculty members for the award, and a committee of students and faculty advisors selects the recipient. The award consists of a statue of Socrates, a plaque and a check for $1,000.

“The Ingalls Award is given annually to the Troy University teacher who has been identified by students to be diligent, effective and cheerful in conducting his/her classes during the academic year,” said Dr. Lance Tatum, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “This year’s recipient, Dr. Kelly Suero, demonstrates each of these qualities and we are pleased to honor her with this award.”

Suero joined the TROY faculty in 2014, and previously served as a research assistant at Purdue University. In addition to her work at TROY, she also serves as a College Board AP Spanish exam reader.

Suero received her bachelor’s degree, majoring in both English and Spanish, from Oklahoma State University. She earned her master’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature and her Ph.D. in Spanish American Literature from Purdue.

After graduating from high school, Suero spent a year in Argentina as a part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Since joining the TROY faculty, she has organized study abroad trips to Argentina to share the country’s culture with her students.

Suero said receiving the award was an extremely special honor.

“It means everything to me because it is a student-led award, nominated by the students,” she said. “That’s why I do this, for the students, and I really love what I do.”