Dr. Pattison was named the 2007 Master Teacher at the Academy of Legal Studies in Business annual meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The theme of this year’s competition was “Learning to Think, Thinking to Learn: Encouraging Students to Analyze and Evaluate Business Ethics and Legal Studies.”  Following submission and peer review of detailed proposals, four finalists were invited to deliver a model classroom presentation at the national meeting.  The 2007 Master Teacher winning presentation was selected based on ratings of the material submitted and the teaching session delivered.

Dr. Pattison presented the proposal entitled “Outrage and Engage: A Story of Eminent Domain.”  Her presentation focused on using story telling in the classroom as a way to engage the interest of students and to build a positive climate for learning.  Since most beginning chapters of business law books do not engage student’s interest or imagination, Dr. Pattison used the story of eminent domain (based on the case Kelo v. City of New London) to introduce the study of law.  An accompanying Powerpoint slide show included pictures of the plaintiffs, the condemned homes, and the empty fields that resulted from the destruction of the homes.  She was assisted in the presentation by her Texas State colleagues Dr. Alexis Stokes, Dr. Janet Hale, and Dr. John McGee.