Members of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo faculty, including two from nursing, were presented special teaching awards at this year’s spring commencement held on May 17.
“Teaching is one of the most significant components of any university,” said Chancellor Don Straney. “The awards presented to these faculty members are a recognition of outstanding accomplishments in teaching.”
Señora Monica Minnitt, instructor in 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 recognizes 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.
“Jackie is a leading exemplar of what our faculty and staff do best,” Straney said. “She is a person of remarkable achievement—both on our campus and in the local community—with her teaching, research, and community outreach. Most importantly to the mission of UH Hilo, Jackie is an exceptional teacher, creating scholars and performers of her students, who go on to have successful careers of great impact on our communities, our island, and our State.”