Members of the University of Hawaii at Hilo faculty, including two from nursing, were presented special teaching awards at this year’s spring commencement May 17.
Members of the University of Hawaii at Hilo faculty, including two from nursing, were presented special teaching awards at this year’s spring commencement May 17.
Monica Minnitt, instructor of Spanish, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Minnitt’s nominators described her as “an extraordinary, exceptional, talented and gifted educator,” who manages to challenge her students academically and creates a creative and nurturing environment.
The Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Alice Davis, associate professor of nursing.
Her nominators describe Davis as someone who cares “professionally and personally” for her students, who is filled with passion for the field of nursing and always makes herself available for private tutoring.
Receiving the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching was Lisa Tostenson, assistant professor of nursing.
Described by her nominators as possessing a “passion for nursing,” Tostenson’s teaching incorporates humor and real-life situations to skillfully guide her students toward critical thinking assessments relative to the evidence-based nursing process.
Jacquelyn Pualani Johnson, professor of drama, received the 2014 Chancellor’s Certificate of Recognition. This award honors faculty and staff whose accomplishments and contributions exemplify the vision of UH-Hilo to prepare students to thrive, compete, innovate and lead in their personal and professional lives.