Fears, a distinguished scholar and teacher who holds his Ph.D. from Harvard, is a professor of classics at the University of Oklahoma. He is widely acclaimed for his educational, inspirational and dramatic presentations on leadership. On 19 occasions, Fears has been recognized for outstanding teaching, and on five occasions, student groups at OU have recognized him as the University of Oklahoma Professor of the Year. Fears' dramatic teaching style has been the subject of feature articles in local and national magazines, including Oklahoma Today. Interviews with him have been carried on radio, television, and newspapers throughout the country, including the New York Times.

Winston Churchill is often considered the preeminent leader of the 20th century. His incomparable skills made possible the Allied victory in World War II and ensured the future of freedom for generations to come. Dr. Fears' program will involve a discussion of the various lessons his career offers that apply to life in today's world.

"We are pleased to have such a distinguished Oklahoma professor as part of our speaker series," said Mary Kate Heltzel, Noble Foundation granting program associate and chair of the Profiles and Perspectives Committee. "Dr. Fears' discussion of Winston Churchill's remarkable career and its application to modern times is something we can all learn from."

For the first Profiles program in 2005, the community is invited to the Ardmore Convention Center at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17 to celebrate the Noble Foundation's 60th anniversary. A brief presentation on the Foundation's history from President Michael A. Cawley and talks from Agricultural Management Group member Wadell Altom, Plant Biology Division Director Rick Dixon and Forage Improvement Division Director Joe Bouton will be followed by a reception and time to visit with Foundation scientists and specialists.

For more information about Profiles and Perspectives, call the Foundation at (580) 223-5810.

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Photo:

Dr. J. Rufus Fears

Photo/Submitted by the presenter

To learn more, visit the Noble Foundation Web site at http://www.noble.org.

More news releases available at www.noble.org/Press_Release