Dr. Le Von E. Wilson
Professor
School of Accountancy

Background
Le Von E. Wilson, B.S.B.A., Western Carolina University; J.D., North Carolina Central University School of Law; Ed.D., North Carolina State University, came to Georgia Southern in August 2005 from Western Carolina University, where he was a tenured Professor of Business Law. He also served as Head of the Department of Marketing and Business Law at Western Carolina from 1996 to 2002. He taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in law, including online delivery as part of the Master of Project Management Online Degree Program. His research interests focus on education, employment, and constitutional law issues. Dr. Wilson is a two time recipient of the College of Business Professor of Excellence Award at Western Carolina and was the 2005 recipient of the University Of North Carolina Board Of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching. This is a system-wide award that recognizes teaching excellence among the 16 constituent universities of the University of North Carolina.

Dr. Wilson is a former Assistant County Attorney for Guilford County, North Carolina. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar, the Georgia Bar, as well as the bars of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, the United States Tax Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He is the subject of biographical note in Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in American Law, and Who’s Who in America. Dr. Wilson is a lawyer, a mediator/arbitrator, a law educator, a public speaker, and trainer/consultant. His leisure interests include reading, biking, photography, and traveling.

LeVon Wilson

Philosophy of Teaching & Learning
Georgia Southern University’s focus on academic distinction and excellence in the classroom mirrors my own teaching philosophy centered on the overall personal growth and development of students as individuals and members of society. I also share the university’s commitment to scholarly research that contributes to effective teaching. It is in part due to the appealing teaching and research philosophy at Georgia Southern that I chose to come to the university in August 2005.

My primary goals include assisting students in enhancing their analytical and critical thinking skills, developing their oral and written communication skills, enhancing research skills, especially in the areas of traditional and electronic legal research, and fostering a classroom atmosphere which is conducive to learning. My ultimate goal is to assist students in developing an appreciation for life-long learning so as to be able to compete and thrive in an increasingly complex and technologically advanced global environment.

During my teaching career, I have attended dozens of conferences and workshops, many of which (including a master-teacher workshop) were selected to enhance my teaching effectiveness. I facilitated a workshop in June 2005 that focused on active and effective lecturing. I have also learned from feedback provided by students and peers. It is through those efforts, along with reading scholarly articles on the subject, sharing with colleagues, and lots of practice, that I have been able to develop and grow as a teacher.

While at Western Carolina University, my previous institution, I was nominated on several occasions for the prestigious Jay I. Kneedler Professor of Excellence Award. This is the highest teaching award offered by the College of Business at Western Carolina. I was the recipient of that award for the 1994-1995 academic year and again for 2003-2004. I was one of four finalists for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award for 1996-97 and again for 2000-2001. I was nominated for the Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching on numerous occasions. That award is the highest award offered by the 16 member institutions of the University of North Carolina System. I was the recipient of that award in 2005.

I have moved from the traditional lecture method, which I used more frequently during my early career, to a more student-centered approach employing a variety of pedagogical methodologies. I often serve more as a coach than a lecturer. This allows me to better cater to students’ individual learning styles. I have incorporated the use of technology into the classroom. Here at Georgia Southern, I have introduced CPS (“clicker”) technology and the ThomsonNow course management system into the classroom. I also use WebCT Vista course management software to support traditional classroom instruction. I have been the subject of biographical note in Who’s Who in American Education and most recently in Who’s Who Among American Teachers and Who’s Who in America. These recognitions are evidence of my effectiveness as a classroom teacher.

I take great pride in working with students on research papers. This includes independent research projects as well as sponsoring numerous students in undergraduate research conferences and graduate research symposia. I have collaborated with students on several scholarly publications. Presentation of research papers by three students at regional conferences and the publication of one conference proceedings and two law journal articles have been the culmination of these collaborative efforts. I am currently collaborating with an undergraduate student to develop a paper, which may be presented at a regional or national conference during this academic year. Of the student activities with which I have been involved, these have been some of the most personally and professionally rewarding.

I am able to remain vital by engaging in research and writing, as well as attending conferences and workshops related to teaching and learning. I am not afraid of trying new pedagogical approaches and delivery methods. This includes incorporating new technology into teaching. I never stop learning.

Reminding myself that teaching is fun and learning does not have to be an arduous task constantly energizes me. I try to create a learning environment that reflects that notion. I am enthusiastic about the subjects that I teach. I believe that the professor must make the subject come alive. If the students cannot see the usefulness and practicality of the subject matter through the professor, they have difficulty seeing its usefulness for themselves.

Observing students achieve their goals and realize their dreams is what drives me. There is no greater reward or motivator for me than to receive a note, card, Email, FAX, telephone call or other correspondence from a student who expresses his or her grateful appreciation for the efforts that I made in helping to add to their educational experience. There is no greater reward that a professor can receive.

Contact Information
lwilson@GeorgiaSouthern.edu
phone: (912) 478-5262