Special to the Journal 

An Albany State University professor in the College of Arts and Humanities was recently honored at the 2011 Harlem Renaissance Conference for her contributions to the teaching profession. Dr. Marva O. Banks, an English professor at ASU, received the first Evelyn Gilbert Etheridge award at the conference held at Paine College in Augusta, Ga.

This award, bestowed on an educator “who embodies and encapsulates the spirit of teaching,” honors and memorializes Professor Evelyn Gilbert Etheridge, a dedicated teacher, mentor, innovator, playwright, and director, who was widely-known for her dedication to students and their learning. The honor recognized Banks for “dedicated service and literary scholarship.” Banks, an ASU faculty member since 1991, has supervised undergraduate research at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and at Albany State University. She continues her affiliation with state, national and international organizations.

 Dr. Marva O. Banks, professor of English at ASU (left), receives the Evelyn Gilbert Etheridge Award from Dr. Emily Williams, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Paine College, Augusta, Ga. on Nov. 11, 2011.