Dr. William H. Bellinger Jr., chair and professor of religion and The W. Marshall and Lulie Craig Chair of Bible, has been named the 2013 Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year. The annual award is presented to a faculty member who makes a superlative contribution to the learning environment at Baylor. The award was presented during the University’s annual Honors Convocation held April 19.

The Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year award is based on (1) teaching, which is judged to be of the highest order of intellectual acumen and pedagogical effectiveness; (2) research, which is recognized as outstanding by the national and international, as well as local, community of scholars; and (3) service, which is regarded as exemplary in building the character of intellectual community at Baylor.

In presenting the award, Dr. James Bennighof, Baylor vice provost, said those who nominated Bellinger for Professor of the Year cited his “warm and caring spirit in everything he does,” as well as Bellinger’s distinctive “robust laugh” that has endeared him to students. He added that persons nominating Bellinger also praised his sense of humor in the classroom that made learning fun and put students at ease.

Bennighof said Bellinger is the author of 11 books, more than 20 scholarly articles and countless reviews and lectures.

Bellinger joined the Baylor faculty in 1984. He earned a BA degree from Furman University, an MDiv degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a PhD from Cambridge University.

As this year’s recipient, Bellinger will receive $20,000 and present a public lecture in the fall on an academic topic of his choosing.

SHOWN IN PHOTO (L to R) Dr. Elizabeth B. Davis, executive vice president and provost; Dr. William H. Bellinger Jr., 2013 Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year; and Dr. James Bennighof, vice provost.