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Hartsville, S.C. (May 13, 2010) -- Dr. William Carswell, associate professor of music at Coker College, has received a 2010 Excellence in Teaching Award from South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc.

The award, which includes a professional developmental grant, recognizes an educator who demonstrates the highest standards in teaching methods and encourages students to strive for excellence. It is given annually to a faculty member at each of the 20 private colleges and universities in South Carolina.

“Dr. Carswell’s impact on Coker College is enormous,” said Dr. Patricia Lincoln, Coker College provost and dean of the faculty. “He is deeply admired for his expertise, his leadership and the personal warmth he extends to the entire campus community.”

Since joining the Coker College faculty in 2002, Carswell has earned a  reputation of being an inspirational educator who motivates his students to reach their highest potential. As a result, many of his students succeed in regional competitions and professionally.

As director of choral and vocal studies, Carswell leads the Coker Singers, the college’s premier vocal ensemble, and the Coker Chamber Singers, an auditioned choir. Both travel regularly and have performed in venues such the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

In the summer of 2005, Carswell was appointed music director and conductor of the Columbia Choral Society in Columbia, S.C. Prior to joining Coker College, he was a public school choral director, librarian, assistant conductor of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, and active as a church musician. He has also served as music director and conductor of the Dutch Fork Choral Society.

Carswell is active as a clinician, guest conductor and adjudicator throughout the Southeast He has also presented sessions on choral literature, choral methods, and performance techniques for various levels of the American Choral Directors Association. Recent international conducting engagements include performances in Austria, Bulgaria, England, and France.

Car swell holds a doctor in musical arts degree from the University of South Carolina, a master of arts degree in music from Florida State University, and a bachelor of music education from Appalachian State University.

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>> Coker College president Dr. Robert Wyatt, Dr. William Carswell, and Ms. Sara Fisher, Chair of the South Carolina
Independent Colleges & Universities Board of Trustees.