What makes a great faculty member? Over 2,200 answered that question by voting online March 31 and April 1 for the Faculty Member of the Year Awards, sponsored by the Student Alumni Associates of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.

Nine faculty members, including one winner who received the most votes, were honored at a reception Thursday. But what makes these professors stand out from the rest? Read on to find out.

Roger Chang received the most votes and was awarded “Faculty Member of the Year.” Teacher of foundations of physics, he has also taught engineering classes in previous semesters. Although most of his students find the class hard, Chang helps them with their homework during his many office hours. He even comes to campus Saturdays and Sundays to help students. Seth Lambrecht, a sophomore engineering science and mechanics major, said Chang teaches him concepts based in other classes besides physics, such as differential equations.

“I think my students can tell that I care,” Chang said.

Patricia Amateis, an associate professor who teaches general chemistry, uses real-world examples to help her students understand chemistry, such as explaining the principles behind why salt is put on icy roads. In addition to her regular office hours, she holds weekly help sessions for homework and upcoming tests.

John Boyer, a world regions and geography of wine instructor engages his students with jokes and pictures.

“I remember having bags of popcorn thrown at us for one demonstration,” said Cassie Williams, a recent student of Boyer’s and junior business major.

He also shows relevant movies to his world regions class, such as “Y Tu Mama Tambien” which emphasized class differences in Mexico.

Students enjoy Jeannine Eddleton’s class, an instructor for introduction to chemistry, because she does many examples and demonstrations. She said she tries to get to know many students in her large sections.

“I feel more comfortable approaching her than any other teacher I had in college,” said Andria Sakraida, a sophomore psychology and sociology double major who is currently in Eddleton’s class.

Mike Ellerbrock, an associate professor in agriculture and applied economics, has been teaching here for 12 years and said he considered teaching a privilege.

“I try to remember everyday the meaning of the word ‘education’,” Ellerbrock said. “I.e., to draw out, not just put in, the inherent wisdom of students.”

Scott Geller, a professor for introductory psychology, uses cartoons and tells stories relating to the material to help students not only chuckle during class, but retain the information, said Skye Geherin, a freshman biochemistry major.

“He used his own experience learning to play the drums as a kid to teach us about stress and distress,” Geherin said. “As he was explaining the material, he would play the drums. It made it hard to not pay attention.”

Matt McAllister engages his students by being energetic and organized and asking questions to guide students through the logic behind theories. An associate professor, McAllister teaches introduction to communication studies, media institutions and communication theory and said he enjoys doing media research and interacting with students.

“Awards where the students choose you are really the special ones,” McAllister said.

Mark McLeod, a microeconomics and macroeconomics instructor and the professor of introductory economics said he tries to make economics interesting to students by using current examples like the current tax cut.

“Teaching is a really special job where you have a chance to make a difference in people’s lives,” McLeod said.

Christopher Neck, an associate professor, teaches management theory and leadership practice. Neck said he always tries to make his class fun by showing movie clips to illustrate examples and giving small rewards to students.

“I have found that whether a student likes you or not, they appreciate you if you attempt to make the effort to be creative and innovative in the classroom,” Neck said.