FSU Panama City's Robert Cvornyek Awarded for Excellence in Teaching and Community Service

Robert Cvornyek, an assistant teaching professor in social science at Florida State University’s Panama City campus, has received the first Provost Sally McRorie Excellence in Teaching and Service Award. Dean Randy Hanna announced this award on May 2, 2024. It recognizes faculty members who excel in teaching and community engagement. The award was established in 2022 to highlight the importance of education in contributing to society, a principle that Cvornyek emphasizes in his teaching.

Cvornyek's educational methods are shaped by his upbringing in a working-class family in Newark, N.J., and being the first in his family to attend college. He values hard work and community service, which he incorporates into his teaching. He uses history education to address social issues, focusing on equity and justice. This approach not only enhances his curriculum but also encourages his students to think about the wider effects of historical events.

Since starting at FSU Panama City in 2018, Cvornyek has involved his students in community projects. A significant project is the restoration of Covington Cemetery, a historically Black cemetery in Panama City damaged by Hurricane Michael. Cvornyek led his students in the restoration, which included securing city maintenance and placing a historical marker. This project preserved an important local site and gave students a meaningful learning experience.

Cvornyek is also a respected historian specializing in sports history and its relation to racial and social issues. He has co-edited two books on the impact of Black athletes on social movements in Boston, set for publication in 2024 and 2025. These books examine the role of sports in cultural and racial integration.

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