UH Hilo excellence in teaching and advising awards

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Contact:
Alyson Kakugawa-Leong, (808) 974-7642
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Posted: May 24, 2007

HILO - The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo recently recognized three faculty members for excellence in teaching and another for excellence in advising/mentoring at the University‘s Commencement ceremony held on May 12.

Dr. Jason Turner, assistant professor of marine science, was selected as the recipient of the Frances Davis Award for excellence in undergraduate teaching.

"He challenges his students to attain high levels of knowledge and strives to present information in interesting and memorable ways," said Sam Callejo, vice president for administration at the UH Systems Office. "Students recognize that he has high but not unreasonable standards. They appreciate his approachability and some note that he doesn‘t cause anxiety over complex material." Karla Hayashi, an instructor in English, received the Chancellor‘s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

"Karla is known as an outstanding teacher with strict guidelines," said Chancellor Rose Tseng. "Karla notes that ʻ…students learn best when they are challenged, held to objective and high standards and encouraged to think beyond their routine activities.‘"

Dr. Errol Yudko, assistant professor of psychology, is the first recipient of the Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation, which recognizes the creative use of technology in teaching, scholarship, research and artistic production by full-time faculty or staff at UH Hilo.

"He has used nearly every mode of online technology available in the development of his courses, including Tegrity, Screen Watch, Impatica, ProfCast, Garage Band, iMovie and PowerPoint enhanced with narration," Tseng said.

Dr. Cheryl Ramos, advisor for the undergraduate Psychology program, was tabbed for the Outstanding Advisor/Mentor Award.

"Dr. Ramos sees advising as more than making sure students meet requirements," said Dr. Steve Hora, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs. "She constantly reminds students to connect learning with career and life."

The awards consist of a medallion and a monetary grant.