A teaching method that combines online education with face-to-face interaction is gradually finding its way onto Rutgers’ campuses. 

At a research university like Rutgers, professors are expected to combine solid teaching with scholarly research and publication. The Scholar-Teacher Award honors those faculty members who form a vital link between their research and their work in the classroom, inspiring students to work at the edges of current understanding.

With a thousand students attending at least five sessions each semester, the Plangere Writing Center on the third floor of Murray Hall is already one of the most active tutoring centers in the nation.

Ken Urban is not only the Plangere Writing Center Coordinator, a graduate student in English, and a teacher. He is also a playwright and director. Those who recognize him from his roles at Rutgers might not even realize that he is an active member of and a familiar face in the off-off-Broadway theater world. Like many creative artists, he has his art and his "day job," but in this case, the two work hand in hand. The only problem is finding enough time, but Mr. Urban has a solution to that: "I don't sleep. I just work all the time," he chuckles.