Seven faculty members from the University of Hawai’i system have been elected to receive the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, which is presented to UH faculty who show strong devotion to and excellence in teaching undergraduate students. The award recognizes the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College.
Joanne Birch, a UH Mānoa graduate teaching assistant and a doctoral candidate in botany, enjoys broadening students’ comprehension of diversity in science, while instilling the belief that through determination, effort and confidence, anyone has the capacity to become a successful scientist.
Abegail Kopf instructs respiratory therapy at Kapi’olani Community College. She makes every effort to share her knowledge by encouraging independence, professionalism and critical thinking. Kopf is highly educated in her field and teaches in a way that has been described as “patient and sincere.”
Heather Kurano, a Spanish instructor at UH Mānoa, has proven successful in bringing the Hispanic culture and language to life. Kurano attempts to relate her students to the material that she teaches.
“I do try to make each student feel that they have my 100 percent commitment to them, and that I care about each of them as a person as well,” said Kurano.
Kelikokauaikekai Hoe is an assistant professor of Hawaiian Studies at Windward Community College. Hoe administers his classes in traditional Hawaiian customs and has led Native Hawaiian students in creating opportunities for themselves. Some of his experience includes restoration of the lo’i (taro patches), creating hula implements, and composing and acting in Hawaiian language productions.
Lisa Parr instructs marine science at UH Hilo. Her methods of teaching have been successful in catching the attention of students, who are her main priority, and constantly involving them in class participation.
Taupouri Tangaro comes from Hawai’i Community College as an assistant professor and department chair of Hawaiian lifestyles and humanities. Tangaro inspires students to reach for excellence both spiritually and intellectually. He sees the potential of all his students to succeed inside and outside the classroom, while giving his time and effort to support learning.
“The irreducible reason why I love teaching is that I sleep every night inquiring and I wake up every day a learner,” said Tangaro.
Dr. Stefanie Wilson currently serves as associate professor of business at UH West O’ahu. She strives to combine academic, business, and community service experience to impact her students’ perspectives. Wilson wants graduates of the campus to have the proper tools and skills to assist them as they strive to reach their professional goals in life. A colleague at UHWO described her as “one of our most dynamic and enthusiastic assistant professors.”
All seven of these faculty members will be recognized on Sept. 15, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in the Kennedy Theatre on the UH Mānoa campus. This annual convocation ceremony is open to the public, free of charge, and reservations are not required.
For more information, visit hawaii.edu/about/awards.
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