In Tammy Long’s classes, memorization and recall aren’t the keys to success. The main goal for students in her courses isn’t solely a passing grade, but to absorb knowledge and leave the class with a deep understanding of plant biology.
Long, associate professor in the Department of Plant Biology in the College of Natural Science, works to infuse innovation in her classroom. She offers open conceptual space in her classes, rather than a one-way, one-answer approach — a mirror to the scientific research process. Her teaching motivates students to learn meaningful skills and knowledge they will use in science and future careers.
For her innovative and inclusive teaching, expertise in assessing student learning, and her national influence on transforming biology education, Long was announced as the recipient of the 2024 President’s Distinguished Teaching Award on April 19 during the Plant Biology Spring Awards Celebration and Student Poster Session.
President Kevin Guskiewicz, who surprised Long with the award before dozens of students and faculty at the student awards celebration, thanked her for her dedication and creativity in teaching the next generation of leaders in plant science.
"Michigan State's roots are deeply planted in plant science, from botanist William Beal to our dedicated faculty today and the knowledge leaders of tomorrow — represented by our students," he said.
Joining President Guskiewicz at the surprise presentation was Mark Largent, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Education. “This award honors one educator who demonstrates a passion for teaching and enthusiasm for engaging with students to foster a sense of curiosity and excitement about learning and Dr. Long certainly honors the spirit of this award,” he said.
Award recipients nurture and inspire their students and extend their knowledge beyond the classroom walls. The award recognizes faculty who, like Long, work with their students to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.
College of Natural Science Dean Philip Duxbury also provided short remarks, thanking Long for her ongoing commitment and dedicated work to the college and MSU’s students.
Long has been an MSU faculty member for more than two decades, and she has spent her tenure creating inclusive and innovative learning environments for students, utilizing teaching strategies that allow all students to learn science. Her work has transformed introductory biology education. This work to redesign curricula and the way plant biology is taught reflects her belief that, “If we truly want to cultivate a nation of problem-solvers, we must allow students opportunities to wrestle with real problems and be rewarded for conceiving creative strategies for solving them. Our students [at MSU] have shown us they are ready for the challenge.”
In Long’s courses, she creates classroom environments using interactive and inquiry-based learning and peer instruction and uses assessment data to drive her instruction as it provides authentic evidence of student learning.
Long is nationally renowned as a leader in the teaching and learning of biology, with research focusing on meaningful learning in introductory biology. Students who take Long’s classes are provided with the infrastructure needed to thrive with skills that are useful in the classroom, along with the knowledge of how to excel and find success outside of it.
“Dr. Long is a motivator, mentor, and inspiration for both her students, as well as the people who have worked in her lab,” one student said. “She has been the greatest nurturer for student learning, and always encourages them to think of basic topics in different ways. Her ability to mentor in both education and research makes her an exceptional nomination for this award. As my professor, I always felt supported by Tammy of my ideas in the classroom, and truly felt that I was learning, not just for grades, but for my own basis of knowledge.”
Countless more students attributed their success to the impact Long had on them.
“Before joining the Long Lab, I had little confidence in my skills as a student and a scientist,” another student said. “Dr. Long recognized this, and subsequently spent countless hours of one-on-one time identifying my strengths — working with me in ways to set me up for both short-term and long-term success.”
Long will be honored alongside other MSU award recipients at the All University Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, May 1, 3:30–5:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.