UH faculty awarded for dedication and excellence in undergraduate teaching

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Arlene Abiang, (808) 956-5637
Mia Noguchi, (808) 956-9095
External Affairs & University Relations
Posted: Jul 22, 2005

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi has selected three faculty members from campuses across the university system as the recipients of the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. In memory of the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward CC and UH Mānoa for 19 years, the award recognizes UH faculty members who demonstrate outstanding dedication and excellence as teachers of undergraduate students.

This year‘s recipients include:

Michael Nassir is an instructor in physics and astronomy at UH Mānoa. He finds that the single most useful technique for improving the effectiveness and interest level of his students is to introduce them to as many multimedia elements and physical demonstrations as possible. In 2002, Nassir became the coach and faculty advisor to the UH Mānoa College Bowl team, an academic quiz bowl competition, which he escorted this spring to the regional tournament.

Anthony Kilbert is a speech and music instructor at Kauai Community College. After working for 28 years in the entertainment industry, he came to Kauai to share what he has learned about the business and make a difference in students‘ lives. Aside from teaching, Kilbert serves as an advisor for the Music, Theater and Arts Club where he has become a mentor for all members.

Mai Wong is an associate professor of early childhood education at Hawaiʻi Community College. Her classes and teaching style are full of practical and hands-on learning experiences. Wong is credited for setting up and coordinating the Professional and Career (PACE) Program on the Big Island, designed to help students further their professional career goals in working with young children.

Tasha Wyatt is a doctoral candidate in education psychology at UH Mānoa. Wyatt has taught several classes at Mānoa, including a course in Psychological Foundations, a required course for pre-service teachers. Her students have consistently given her high markings in their evaluations.

Recipients of the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching will be recognized for their contributions to the university along with other UH award winners at a system-wide ceremony in September.

About the University of Hawaiʻi
Established in 1907 and fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the University of Hawaiʻi is the state‘s sole public system of higher education. The UH System provides an array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and community programs on 10 campuses and through educational, training, and research centers across the state. UH enrolls more than 50,000 students from Hawaiʻi, the U.S. mainland, and around the world. For more information, visit www.hawaii.edu.