UBC Okanagan honours exceptional educators on campus

Exceptional educators from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) were celebrated this week for their innovation and dedication to teaching at the post-secondary level.

UBC Okanagan held their annual Teaching Excellence and Innovation awards, honouring professors, teaching assistants and tutors for their work in and out of the classroom.

“Today we recognize those professors who go above and beyond to make exceptional contributions to student learning,” said dean pro tem of the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, Robert Eggleston.

“We can all be proud of the work we do as teachers, and let’s celebrate our community of remarkable people in each of our faculties- talented and dedicated people who share a passion for teaching and learning.”

Teaching honour roll winners were selected from student evaluations, with the top 10 per cent recognized. Two educators, assoc. professor of Psychology, Zach Walsh and associate professor who teaches sociology and social work in the Faculty of Health and Social Development, Mary Ann Murphy, were awarded the top honours of the Teaching Excellence and Innovation award, along with a $3,000 prize.

“Successful award winners are exemplary role models who have had and will continue to have significant impact on the culture of teaching and learning on the Okanagan campus,” said Provost and Vice Principal Academic Cynthia Mathieson.

“There are many facets to consider here, including excellence in teaching practice, impact on learning through innovation, fostering a research community, support of global awareness and contributions to interdisciplinary approaches.”

Teachers from faculties across campus were honoured with awards. This is the ninth year UBC Okanagan has hosted the Teaching Innovation and Excellence awards.