Providence, RI - Dr. Stephen J. Lynch, professor of English and associate director of the Liberal Arts Honors Program at Providence College, has been named the recipient of the second annual Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Lynch was selected following a process that included nominations from members of the College community, the submission of dossiers, classroom observations, and a student survey.

The Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award is presented annually to the faculty member who best exhibits excellence in teaching, passion and enthusiasm for learning, and genuine concern for students' academic and personal growth. An outcome of the College's five-year Strategic Plan, it is named for the late brother of John J. Accinno, C.P.A, a member of the Providence College class of 1946 who serves on the President's Council.

The recipient receives a cash stipend; formal acknowledgement at the College's Academic Convocation in September; and has his or her name inscribed on a plaque that is displayed prominently in Phillips Memorial Library.

Dr. Lynch came to Providence College in the fall of 1992 as assistant professor of English after teaching for seven years at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He was promoted to associate professor in 1994 and to professor in 1998. He has served as associate director of the Liberal Arts Honors Program since 1998. His primary area of scholarly research and interest is Shakespeare. He is the author of two books, As You Like It: A Guide to the Play (2003) and Shakespearean Intertextuality (1999).

Members of the Teaching Award Selection Committee who observed Dr. Lynch teaching a Shakespeare tragedy course were impressed by his natural ability to engage students. Student evaluations repeatedly emphasized his enthusiasm, his in-depth knowledge of the material, and his approachability as a teacher.

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