Craig Layman, right, accepts the Educators Hall of Honor award from Bob Kesling, lead announcer on the Vol Radio Network, who served as Master of Ceremony at the awards banquet. (Submitted photo)
Craig Layman, actively involved in preparing the next generation of STEM professionals for occupations related to science and engineering, was recently inducted into the University of Tennessee Educators Hall of Honor.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Layman, associate director of workforce development for the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Oak Ridge Associated Universities, was among six new members added to the Hall of Honor by UT’s College of Education, Health, and Human Services during ceremonies at the Holiday Inn-World’s Fair Park in Knoxville.
The UT Educators Hall of Honor was established to recognize educators who have made profound differences in their students’ lives and the community. The program also generates an endowed scholarship fund to assist students in the process of becoming teachers.
Layman has been instrumental in the development of STEM education programs at ORISE, helping more than 35,000 students and recent graduates access research experiences, internships, and fellowships in the past decade. At ORISE, he manages a team of 100 full-time professional, educational, and scientific staff.
His work at ORISE also involves offering STEM programs for local K-12 teachers and students.
“At the ORAU Center for Science Education, a center that I have managed for six years, we offer many free hands-on STEM programs for students to engage in learning and for the teachers that inspire them,” Layman said. These include the Oak Ridge Robotics Academy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Traveling Science Fair, Tennessee Science Bowl, and professional development workshops for teachers.
He not only supports many of these programs administratively, but also with volunteer time. For example, he is involved with the Tennessee Science Bowl, which needs more than 200 volunteers for the academic competition offering teams of high school students a chance to match wits in math and science.
“I am particularly passionate about donating my time to nonprofit boards, but it, simply, must fit in my value culture,” Layman said. One he now serves on is the Board of Trustees at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. That relationship has led ORAU and the Children’s Museum to establish a partnership that will impact the lives of teachers and children throughout the region, he said.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Education and Workforce Development Council at the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce. He is a 2017 Leadership Oak Ridge graduate, member of numerous professional organizations, and a Knights of Columbus leader.
Layman’s academic credentials have a common theme—all his degrees are from schools in Tennessee. He received his bachelor of business administration in accounting from East Tennessee State University, his master’s in organizational management from Tusculum College, and his doctor of education degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
His professional career began at Tusculum College, where he served in instructional and administrative positions, including overseeing Tusculum’s Knoxville campus. After nine years at Tusculum, he became a project manager at ORAU, then a section and group manager, before being named to his current position. He has been the recipient of numerous ORAU employee awards of excellence for his leadership abilities, effective collaboration techniques, and innovative approaches to challenges.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
This story and photo were submitted by Kay Brookshire.
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