Bruce Ackley honored with 2025 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bruce Ackley, a lecturer in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been named a recipient of the 2025 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding lecturers, senior lecturers, and associated faculty for their excellence in teaching and commitment to student success.

Ackley, who has been with Ohio State since 2008 and became a lecturer in 2021, received the award during a surprise visit to his HCS 5411 lab, Domestication and Utilization of Agronomic Crops, where university leadership, colleagues, and students gathered to celebrate his achievement.

“It’s hard to articulate what the award means, but I know how it makes me feel,” Ackley said. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

“I am thankful for the privilege of instructing so many exceptional students over the last 20 years, for the colleagues and friends who nominated me, and for being in a fantastic department surrounded by phenomenal people who motivate, inspire, and support me.”

Raised on a family farm in Ohio, Ackley’s passion for weed science began early. He earned both his BS in crop science and his MS in weed science from Ohio State. This practical background fuels his hands-on approach, encouraging students to see the real-world impact of agricultural science.

Known for his innovative teaching methods, Ackley incorporates cutting-edge digital tools, including 3D models, time-lapse videos, and interactive virtual labs, to enhance student learning. He has authored five iBooks on weed and plant identification, earning international recognition for his efforts. His open textbook, Identifying Noxious Weeds of Ohio, provides comprehensive information on invasive and noxious weed species and is widely used as an educational resource.

Alexander Lindsey, associate professor in HCS and Ackley’s faculty nominator, highlighted Ackley’s dedication to engaging students with hands-on experiences and real-world applications.

“His instructional efforts in entry-level major classes are key to ensuring students feel welcome, engaged, and supported to enter into our major field with the ultimate pursuit of a career in agricultural science,” Lindsey wrote. “His practical work and experiences farming also help students connect with the applicability of designed, hands-on lab activities.”

Ackley has made significant contributions to Ohio State’s teaching community. His development of virtual lab activities for courses such as HCS 5422, Biology and Management of Weeds and Invasive Plants, including high-quality time-lapse videos documenting herbicide activity and 3D images of abnormal corn ears and weeds, has been cited as an example of digital innovation by the university’s Office of Distance Education and eLearning.

Beyond the classroom, Ackley has coached Ohio State’s Collegiate Weed Science Team since 2008, mentoring students and helping them develop practical skills for careers in agricultural sciences. He is also recognized for his outreach efforts with K-12 schools and Ohio State University Extension — CFAES’ statewide outreach arm — supporting agricultural literacy across Ohio.

Lindsey noted that Ackley goes beyond simply teaching course content.

“His desire is for every student to connect with the content in a meaningful way, develop a lifelong desire for learning, and see the applicability of course concepts through inclusion of real-world examples and industry guest speakers,” Lindsey wrote.

Ackley’s mentorship extends to his availability and willingness to support students with professional development. He has supervised over 15 student workers, written numerous letters of recommendation, and provided guidance on internships and scholarships.

“Bruce’s students don’t just learn; they leave his classes with practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the industry,” Lindsey noted. “His investment in students’ growth is what sets him apart. He mentors, he listens, and he genuinely cares about their futures.”

His efforts have earned him several accolades, including the HCS Instructor of the Year awards in 2011, 2013, and 2015; the Gamma Sigma Delta Service Award of Merit; and the 2023–24 Distinguished Lecturer Award from CFAES.

The Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer includes a $5,000 honorarium funded by the Office of Academic Affairs, and recipients are inducted into Ohio State’s Academy of Teaching. Honorees are selected by a committee of students, faculty, and alumni.

Ackley and other 2025 faculty award winners will be recognized during the annual Faculty Awards Celebration on April 29.