Weatherford Receives Hollon Family Award at UW

As the Scarlett Chair of Business in the University of Wyoming College of Business, Larry Weatherford teaches graduate-level courses using distance technologies to students across the country.

In fact, Weatherford’s teaching evaluations indicate that his relationship with students and instructor/course quality were extremely effective. He scored above the overall College of Business averages.

Weatherford’s teaching skills have earned him the 2017 Hollon Family Award for Teaching Excellence in Off-Campus Programs. In 1986, C.E. "Jerry" Hollon, a former UW trustee, established the award to recognize "contributions to the general extension outreach programs of the university."

Since his initial online class in fall 2011, Weatherford has taught 170 Executive MBA Program students in the "Decision Science Modeling for Managers" course.

According to an evaluation from a former student, “Dr. Weatherford is a very good instructor. He is always available and presents the material well. Dr. Weatherford is always willing to have a live session with anyone who needs help.”

A colleague says that Weatherford uses various technologies to stay connected with his students to make sure they succeed.

“Larry has utilized video lectures that students can watch when they are able; kept constant communication with students through phone calls and emails; performed live chats with students; and incorporated various other forms of media, technology and interaction,” says Grant Lindstrom, chair of the UW Department of Management and Marketing.

Weatherford, who has developed and taught courses at UW since 1991, receives accolades from current and former students for his responsiveness, willingness to help and also use of multiple mediums to teach.

“Dr. Weatherford’s course, and its structure, encompassed more aspects and resources than any other within the program,” says a former student. “The recorded lectures for each module were something to look forward to, and I felt as though I was connecting to his class, even though they were prerecorded.”

“Dr. Weatherford was outstanding in ensuring I had the support I needed to succeed in my learning during this rigorous program,” another student says. “I hope one day I am able to take another course from Dr. Weatherford, possibly in person, but I am confident he will bridge any learning barriers regardless of the platform.”

Weatherford has co-written multiple textbooks; published multiple articles in refereed journals; and completed various laboratory texts, book reviews, technical reports and in-house reports.

A student concludes how Weatherford has helped her with real-world issues.

“He used real-life examples, often projects that he had done in the airline and oil industries,” says an MBA student. “His course was one that I have been able to transfer the knowledge received into everyday work decisions.”

Weatherford received a bachelor’s degree (1982) in chemistry from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. (1991) in management science from the University of Virginia, Darden Graduate School of Business Administration.