SPRINGFIELD, Mo., September 15, 2022 — Drury University recently recognized two educators for excellence in teaching and mentoring students for Drury GO, Drury’s evening and online program. Jim Markusic is honored for excellence in online teaching, while Patty Bounous is recognized for teaching seated or blended courses.
Online education: Jim Markusic 
Jim Markusic is the recipient of the 2021-22 Steve Hynds Online Educator of the Year Award. Markusic began teaching Behavioral Sciences courses in 1999. In that time, he became known for his subject matter expertise and his ability to translate that knowledge into rigorous curricula.
“While we have an exceptional group of innovative online instructors who invest hours of time to ensure our students have the best experience possible, we feel that Dr. Markusic best exemplifies our ideal in Drury’s online education,” said Alexis Slyter, director of online education.
In nominating him, students cited Markusic’s clear instruction and innovative teaching methods.
“Dr. Markusic is such a fantastic professor,” one student wrote. “He gives discussion topics that allow us to expand on our thoughts and learn more with each chapter in more real-life scenarios.
The Steve Hynds Online Educator of the Year Award is named after the late Steve Hynds, director of online education at Drury from 2008-17. Through his work, Hynds emphasized the responsibility of online education to bring educational opportunities to underserved populations, and that through online delivery, Drury students can achieve access to education, no matter where they are around the world.
Seated/blended education: Patty Bounous
Patty Bounous was selected as the Drury GO 2021-22 Sue Rollins Educator of the Year. This award is given to an instructor who is great at bringing a subject to life in an engaging, relevant and challenging way.
Bounous instructs online and at Drury GO’s Monett campus. She is known for her reliability, encouragement and optimistic attitude. In her nomination, her collegues recognized her valuable guidance, caring nature and willingness to go above and beyond.
“Patty Bounous is not only an educator, but a true friend to Drury University,” said Drury GO Regional Director Rhonda Schilly. “Patty goes above and beyond both in and out of the classroom because she is committed not only to the mission of Drury University, but to the betterment of the Monett community.”
Bounous’ students also recognize the difference she makes for them.
“She shared with us information about her own struggles with going to college and working multiple jobs, so I was able to relate well to her,” a student wrote. “She is always very positive, but she can also be stern because she wants the very best out of you.”
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.