The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a faculty member and a graduate assistant 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 the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for 19 years.
Kathleen Hagan
Kathleen Hagan is a professor of nursing at UH Maui College, with almost 18 years of service as an undergraduate educator. She has championed integration of the Kaʻao Framework (UH Maui College’s framework for student success) into the nursing curriculum, and has taught every required course.
An avid lifelong learner and volunteer, Hagan consistently seeks out opportunities for her students to engage in community education and advocacy to advance their learning as well as the health of our island ʻohana.
“She has created an environment where learning goes beyond simply acquiring knowledge; it’s about cultivating our character and discovering the qualities that will make us compassionate, capable healers in our careers,” said a student.
Hagan believes college should be a transformational experience, instilling knowledge skills, and attitudes not only for career advancement, but also for civic engagement and life fulfillment.
Another student said, “Her warmth and professionalism have left a lasting impression on me.”
Nicholas Krueger
Nicholas Krueger is an instructor in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management at UH Hilo. He is known for his dynamic instruction, community-based research and deep investment in student success.
A UH Hilo graduate, Krueger returned to his alma mater to teach and lead research in agronomy, soils and animal science. He involves students in funded research tackling real-world challenges—from fermentation science to methane reduction in livestock—while mentoring them through writing, experimentation and presentation.
“I know for a fact that everyone feels comfortable and welcomed by Nick; to make mistakes, sound silly, or just be flat out wrong,” said a student. “And when it comes to learning, that makes all the difference in differentiating sheer luck and memorization from understanding.”
Krueger’s approachable style, high expectations, and commitment to real-world application have made him a transformative educator shaping the future of Hawaiʻi agriculture.
Mark Nartatez
Mark Nartatez is an instructor, the Dental Assisting Program director, and the clinical education coordinator at Kapiʻolani Community College. With more than 18 years of clinical and administrative experience, Nartatez brings industry expertise and a student-centered approach to the Dental Assisting Program.
Nartatez’s instruction integrates textbook knowledge with real-world application, ensuring students meet dental accreditation standards while emphasizing technological integration, critical thinking and compassionate care. His holistic approach encourages students to grow beyond technical skills and see themselves as educators, advocates and changemakers capable of influencing their peers and the broader healthcare community.
“Mark consistently demonstrates an innovative approach to education, creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for his students,” shared one student. “One notable example of his creativity is incorporating case studies based on real-life scenarios students may encounter in the dental field. What sets Mark apart is his commitment to creating a learning environment where students feel heard and valued.”
Colleen Rost-Banik
Colleen Rost-Banik is an instructor in the Department of Sociology in the UH Mānoa College of Social Sciences. She sees the classroom as a reflection of society, shaped by the wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives students bring. Over the course of a semester, she believes students have a valuable opportunity to learn from one another and engage in collective exploration.
Rost-Banik emphasizes the importance of consistent practice in understanding sociological concepts, encouraging students to develop their skills through reading, writing and critical thinking. She acknowledges that meaningful learning takes time, patience, effort—and often involves trial and error.
Her courses also prioritize the values of care and community, which she believes are crucial to both the classroom and broader society. She believes supporting one another is key to success.
Student feedback highlights the impact of her approach. One student shared that her class was “filled with lots of exciting information on different theories and sociological perspectives,” and helped them gain practical skills such as conducting surveys and analyzing visual information.
Sara Maaria Saastamoinen
Sara Maaria Saastamoinen is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science in the UH Mānoa College of Social Sciences. She is also an exhibiting artist, abundant futures consultant and community organizer.
Coming from a long line of Karelian (Northern European region) teachers, she credits her family with inspiring her early passion for political inquiry and creative expression. Her courses explore topics such as the everyday politics of water and the societal sacrifices that sustain American political systems.
Students nominated her for fostering creativity and inclusivity, encouraging expression through formats such as sculptures, short stories, mixtapes and monologues.
“Sara’s commitment to deeper understanding challenged us to think critically about our choices and their broader implications for humans, the environment and other living beings,” one student wrote.
Another shared, “I have never learned as much as I did in Sara’s class—it will positively affect the way I view things and the kind of person I am for the rest of my life.”
