Distinguished professors at The Ohio State University are nominated on a competitive basis and demonstrate high merit in teaching, research, scholarly and creative work, and service.
Distinguished professors in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Science must also excel in outreach and exhibit a significant impact on their field, students, the college, and the public.
Dr. Jeffrey Firkins, professor of Animal Science at CFAES, celebrated 36 years with the college and was also awarded as a distinguished professor.
A graduate of the University of Illinois, Firkins first began as a veterinary medicine student. As his academic career progressed, he quickly moved toward microbiology and with the help of a supportive team, he considered further possibilities.
“Things, fortunately for me, fell into place,” Firkins said. “I had really good advisors, and they gave me a lot of leeway to follow the things I was interested in… there was a lot of instruction, but also pushing me in the right way to go find answers for myself.”
Firkins said he learned early on, especially in graduate school, the importance of searching for the right answers. Since then, he has made it a goal to ask good questions and seek out the best interpretation. This method is something that Firkins also incorporates into his work with students.
Benjamin Wenner, a graduate of The Ohio State University, spent time working with Dr. Firkins as a Ph.D. student. Much of his time spent with Firkins was guided not just by instruction, but by posing formative questions.
“We met almost weekly to just Q-and-A,” said Wenner. “Jeff wouldn't just sit at the desk and tell you you're wrong and why…there was some back and forth to it that would encourage your train of thought.”
During his Ph.D. work, Wenner interacted with Firkins both in the classroom and in the laboratory. Wenner said one thing that stood out was having good interactions made learning less about the ‘slide set,’ and more about the interaction.
“Jeff is a really thoughtful teacher,” Wenner said. “His questions are challenging, but he takes a lot of time to explain concepts, and you could come and visit him anytime – work through anything that you didn't understand.”
Both Firkins and Wenner recognized it takes more than just the status quo to be named a distinguished professor, though. Firkins said he spent hours outside of the traditional workweek on research, even to a physically taxing point.
“There's always going to be other things wanting your time… but you always have to say to yourself, ‘This is why I did this in the first place, and why I love it,’ and you're never, ever going to let that be taken, even by yourself,” Firkins said.
Upon being named Distinguished Professor, Firkins said he was surprised to learn about his nomination. He hadn't seen himself in that light and felt he wouldn’t be competitive for the role. However, after receiving feedback from colleagues, Firkins realized the recognition wasn’t about the title itself.
“It wasn't for me that I got named [Distinguished Professor], but that so many people were willing to step up and put together explanations that became part of the nomination,” Firkins said.
“I think that's the most rewarding part, because the people I've worked with so much over the years appreciated it.”
Though not a part of the faculty who nominated Firkins, Wenner still took time to reflect on some of the most impactful qualities Firkins possesses.
“Jeff is more than just a researcher, he's a servant to the department. People will nominate him to do everything because they trust his opinion, to be moderated in his approach, and he'll tackle the hard stuff,” said Wenner. “He dedicates his time to students, mentors in the lab, has had an illustrious research career, and he’s well-spoken in the industry.”
With over three decades in higher education, Firkins devoted much of his career to mentoring students. When asked for words of wisdom, however, he turned his attention to his fellow educators.
“If I were going to leave a message to people, it would be that we get to do this job. We get to be a professor. Not that we have to create exams or grade papers; we get to find out something new every day,” said Firkins.