Architecture professor Rodney Hill will soon be tooling around campus on a brand new Segway, the unique two-wheel “Personal Transporter,” which along with a $2,000 stipend, he earned as recipient of the 2006 - 2007 Texas A&M University Honors Program Teacher/Scholar Award.

“The Teacher/Scholar Award Committee that selected Rodney was astonished at the sheer number of honors students whom Rodney had taught in formal classes and whom he had inspired with his out-of-class activities,” said Kurt Ritter, associate director of the Office of the Honors Program.

Hill is one of three Texas A&M faculty members to receive the award; also selected were Ludy T. Benjamin, professor of psychology, and Charles Conrad, professor of communication.

The three professors will be recognized at two honors events this semester. The primary recognition will be at the Honors Brunch, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 14 at Academic Plaza during Parents' Weekend. The trio will also be introduced at the Honors Faculty Reception, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, March 1 in the University Club in Rudder Tower.

Hill, who joined the Texas A&M faculty in 1969, is holder of the Eppright University Professorship in Undergraduate Teaching Excellence. His scholarly interests include social and behavioral factors in architecture, creativity and future studies. He is a faculty advisor for the American Creativity Association, the American Institute of Architecture Students, the Entrepreneur Club and Kappa Sigma fraternity. In 2000, Hill received the Texas Society of Architects' Edward J. Romieniec, FAIA, Award in recognition of his contributions to architectural education in Texas. He also received the David Tanner Champion of Creativity Award from the American Creativity Association in 2006.

The University Honors Program Teacher/Scholar Award is presented by the University Honors Program upon the recommendation of the Honors Programs Advisory Committee, which reports to the Texas A&M University Faculty Senate and includes faculty representatives from each college.

The $2,000 stipend that comes with the award can be used for any purpose that enhances the teacher/scholar’s research or teaching. The Segway is for fun.

“My wife is very excited about the Segway,” Hill said. “I think she might intend to confiscate it.”