UM professor recognized for great teaching Honoree Walter Abbott ‘brings enthusiasm to the classroom’

ORONO – University of Maine professor and former Black Bear football coach Walter H. Abbott has been honored with the 2006 Outstanding Teaching Award for the UM College of Education and Human Development. This is the first year the college has presented the award, which recognizes a faculty member’s commitment and ability in teaching.

At an award ceremony, Abbott was called an innovative, committed teacher whose vitality, organizational competence and sensitivity complement his enthusiasm for his subject matter. Abbott teaches a class in outdoor leadership in which he uses experiential methods to teach problem-solving in rigorous outdoor environments. His class in theories of conditioning is taught along more traditional lines, while he uses simulations and mock coaching situations in teaching principles of coaching.

Sandra Caron, professor of family relationships, nominated Abbott for the award and spoke at the ceremony.

“He brings enthusiasm to the classroom that is rare at the university level,” Caron said. “He is one of those exceptional individuals who really loves what he does in the classroom.”

College Dean Robert Cobb said the selection committee’s choice recognized the veteran educator’s talent for inspiring students.

“Whether it involves player development, coaching strategies or team tactics, Walt is respected across the country for his insight and expertise,” Cobb said. “He has helped innumerable coaches in their professional development, and many of them still call on him to discuss the fine points of coaching and sports in general.”

“As a college and a university, we value outstanding teaching and caring advisers,” said professor Constance Perry, who was chairwoman for the selection committee and received UM’s prestigious Presidential Distinguished Teaching Award in 2001. “This award is another opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding teaching that takes place on campus and in our community.”

Abbott’s training of, and influence on, thousands of students were recognized in Orlando, Fla., in December, when he received the Distinguished Service Award of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. The award is presented annually for length of service, special accomplishments and contributions to interscholastic athletics. The nomination for the award read, in part, “Even after 45 years of teaching, he still has the energy and passion to give to any student, athlete or coach in Maine.”

Abbott came to the University in 1960 as an instructor in physical education and an assistant football coach. He became a full-time faculty member in physical education in 1975. He is currently associate professor of kinesiology and physical education, specializing in aspects of coaching, physical fitness, outdoor leadership, safety and rescue.

Abbott, a native of Rumford, was a standout football player in high school. He graduated in 1958 from UM with a degree in resource economics and a reputation as a strong offensive guard and defensive linebacker. He has remained involved in helping to improve high school athletics across Maine, and he led the effort to develop an online course in coaching education for the Maine Center for Sport and Coaching. He served on a statewide panel that helped write the Sports Done Right report, which has drawn interest from around the country in creating and maintaining the best possible learning environment for interscholastic and youth sports.

Abbott and his wife, Carol, live in Orono. They have three children and three grandchildren.