by Ella Smith, Student Public Relations Writer
The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) has named Cedarville University’s Dr. Michael Weller, associate professor of athletic training, one of its Faculty Excellence Award winners for September 2023.
In addition to his role as professor, Weller stepped in as interim dean of the school of allied health and psychology in 2023. He quickly adapts to stay up to date in his field, playing a significant role in developing the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program at Cedarville. 
SOCHE noted Weller’s commitment and devotion to the athletic training field and his students over the past 13 years. He guides students through the most challenging times in their major by advising freshmen and MAT students. On top of his advising, he also has served on numerous committees and task forces. Above all, he enjoys teaching the next generation of athletic trainers and equipping them to enter the workforce prepared.
“I love to teach,” said Weller. “I enjoy the opportunity to pour into our students to work with them in a group setting and one-on-one. I also enjoy the discipleship piece: answering questions and doing life with students.”
One of the most rewarding parts of his job is watching his students take the Board of Certification exam. Passing this national exam is required for students to become certified athletic trainers.
“It is so rewarding to see how our students go from nervous students without a lot of knowledge or experience to when they get to the end of their time with us, and they pass that exam. To me, that is my favorite time,” explained Weller. “I love when they become colleagues.”
SOCHE is the regional leader for higher education collaboration, engaging with colleges, universities and industry to transform the economy through the education and employment of nearly 200,000 students in southwest Ohio.
Academic officers at each SOCHE member institution submitted faculty members who demonstrated excellence in teaching, service and scholarship during 2022. Similarly, human resources officers at each SOCHE member institution named staff members who demonstrated excellence in student success, service and assessment throughout the past year.
“This award means what I am doing academically, what I have done professionally for the past 28 years, still matters because our students are learning, and they are still growing. They are becoming professionals,” said Weller.
The full list of award winners and their supporting information is available at https://www.soche.org/.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate and dual-enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, such as its and Master of Athletic Training option, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu