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Frances Davis Award for Undergraduate Teaching 2002-2006 Award Recipients

Davis Award Winner

Gordon Scott Lee, headshot

Gordon Scott Lee
Hawai‘i

Gordon Scott Lee is an associate professor in ceramics at Hawai‘i Community College. Since beginning his teaching career at the campus in 1972, Lee has taught courses from introductory ceramics to intermediate wheel throwing. His reputation as an artist draws students of all ages and backgrounds each semester. His patience and understanding bring them back—many enroll again and again, taking every course he offers. Students describe him as fair, likeable and funny with a love for ceramics that creates an enjoyable atmosphere for learning.

Lee teaches concepts, dimensional and sculptural, as well as the skills of working with clay. He invites local artists into the classroom every semester to give students a wider perspective. To develop their confidence and encourage their talent, he started the popular Christmas and Mother’s Day ceramic sales. For many years now, students proudly display and sell their works to a highly critical but enthusiastic audience at the end of each semester.

With colleague Linus Chao, Lee has orchestrated an annual Student and Teacher Art Exhibit at the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center in Hilo to further boost students’ confidence and teach the business side of art. Students select their best work, prepare the pieces, plan and set up the displays and participate in the opening reception for the month-long exhibit.

The Frances Davis Award for Undergraduate Teaching recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and UH Manoa for 19 years.

Select a recipient for more about that individual, or view the most recent winners.

2005

Anthony Kilbert, headshot
Anthony Kilberk
Kaua‘i
Mai Wong, headshot
Mai Wong
Hawa‘i

2002

Colette Higgins, headshot
Colette Higgins
Kapi‘olani
Barbara Hotta, headshot
Gordon Scott Lee
Hawai‘i
Leslie Lyum, headshot
Leslie Lyum
Employment Training Center
Mark Panek, headshot
Mark Panek
Manoa