Dr. Christopher Rennix, Distinguished Teacher recipient, Said To 'Leave (No Student) Behind'

A blend of industry background and real-life experiences, an adaptive teaching style centered on understanding and kindness, and a love of craft help to define Dr. Christopher P. Rennix, a professor of Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences at Keene State College.

Those teaching attributes are not lost on his students.

This year, the passionate and inspirational educator is the recipient of the 2025 Keene State College Alumni Association Distinguished Teacher Award. Rennix was honored at the College’s annual Faculty Excellence and Appreciation reception earlier this month.

Student-nominated candidates must be full-time, tenure-track faculty with at least three years of teaching time at Keene State. Rennix will address students at the College’s 2026 Commencement, a tradition of being this award’s recipient.

The Distinguished Teacher Award recognizes excellence in teaching, encouragement of independent thinking, rapport with students in and out of the classroom, and student advising.

Coming to Keene in 2018 changed everything for me. After I taught my first class, five or six students came down from their seats and shook my hand to welcome me. I found where I belonged. … Teaching has allowed me to share my experiences with students who trust me to guide and prepare them for their professions.”

– Professor Christopher Rennix

Rennix is the award’s 55th recipient. The previous five honorees are Vince Ferlini, mathematics; Denise Junge, chemistry; Hank Knight, Cohen Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies; Christopher Parsons, English education; and Sarah McGregor, physics.

The College also feted three other faculty award recipients during the reception:

• Nigel Malcolm for Faculty Distinction in Research and Scholarship

• Nicholas Germana for Faculty Distinguished Service Award

• Michael Wakefield for KSCAA Teaching Excellence Award

Dr. Rennix earned his B.A. from Virginia Wesleyan College, a graduate degree from Old Dominion University, and a Doctor of Science from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell in 2000.

His first reaction was that the award was a mistake, he said.

“I don’t teach to impress or make friends. I have observed so many excellent professors at Keene State and learned so much from them. I am always learning to be a better teacher. Still, this award is an honor, and I am truly humbled that my colleagues, past students, and current students recognized that I teach for them.”

Dr. Rennix began his professional career as a high school chemistry teacher in 1977, but economic circumstances led him to pivot and join the Navy, a stint that lasted 24 years. An Industrial Hygiene Officer, he retired in 2006 at the rank of Captain.

“I’d always wanted to get back in the classroom,” he said, “and the Navy gave me ample opportunities to teach sailors about occupational health and safety.”

After completing his doctorate, Dr. Rennix began teaching graduate courses as an adjunct at two colleges, but described the dynamics of those experiences as “aloof.”

“Coming to Keene in 2018 changed everything for me,” he said. “After I taught my first class, five or six students came down from their seats and shook my hand to welcome me. I found where I belonged.”

“Teaching,” Dr. Rennix added, “has allowed me to share my experiences with students who trust me to guide and prepare them for their professions.”

A year before arriving at Keene State, Dr. Rennix received the highest civilian honor within the Department of the Navy, the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, for supporting the Navy and Department of Defense public health programs.

He has a side gig as a consulting epidemiologist for the Department of Defense.

Dr. Rennix was a “very average high school student” and the first in his family to attend college. He said he’s learned as much as he’s taught.

“In my experience, the most essential quality of a difference-making teacher is kindness. The teachers who most impacted me from elementary school through college led with kindness. They held high expectations and took the time to understand what I needed, personally and academically.”

He added: “I remember how overwhelming it felt to be hit with a firehose of information in my early college classes. Teachers who make the biggest difference are those who get students to open their minds and imagine how the lesson, activity, or lab applies to them, who make them see themselves being successful at the task or assignment, and who allow them to feel safe making a mistake in class.”

Dr. Kirsti Sandy, Provost at Keene State, said Dr. Rennix’s “reliability and fairness earn the trust of students and colleagues. He exemplifies what it means to be a distinguished educator—not only in title, but in action—as a mentor, coach, and advocate.”

Said Ty Provencal ’26, one of several current and former students who nominated Dr. Rennix:

“From day one, it was clear that Professor Rennix ran his classroom with military precision … and I mean that in the best possible way. … He brought structure, discipline, and high expectations into every lesson. While he’s known for being strict, students quickly realize that he holds us to high standards because he truly believes in our potential.

“He doesn’t let you slack off, and at the same time, he never leaves you behind. … He treats his classroom like a team: no excuses, work hard, and take pride in what you do.”

Dr. Rennix said understanding the value of adapting to a range of learning styles has been key in his career.

“I never teach the same course the same way twice. I relied heavily on lectures in my first year, until one student told me my style was intimidating. That comment made me reflect on my college experience and how disconnected I sometimes felt. I realized I needed to change. I’ve developed a more dynamic and student-centered approach, combining lectures, group work, hands-on exercises, and open discussion.”

Rennix and his wife, Cecilia, have been married 45 years, and have four adult children: Elizabeth, Margaret, Christopher, and Adrian. Their dog, Orion, is a mini Australian labradoodle.