University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu honored its faculty and staff with a slate of awards representing their diligence in and out of the classroom for the 2021-2022 academic year.
2022 Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching: Laurie James
As announced in UH News, the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as a tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values that benefit students.
Laurie James is an associate professor of math education at UH West O‘ahu. Since joining the education division in August 2016, she has become a co-facilitator of the Math Teachers’ Circle of Hawaiʻi (MaTCH) sessions that promote inquiry-based investigations, intrinsic motivation, and hands-on pedagogical approaches. Professional educators participate in the MaTCH meetings multiple times each semester solving mathematical problems so they can anticipate where their students might struggle with mathematical concepts.
The award comes one year after James was selected for The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2021).
James’ students have stated she goes above and beyond. “If there are any questions or concerns, she is always willing to meet with her students before or after class to ensure we are confident in completing the assignments or tasks. During our lectures, she is always so positive and enthusiastic, which makes the learning fun and engaging as well,” said one student.
Laulima Teaching Innovation: Katherine Aumer
The Laulima Teaching Innovation Award recognizes a UH West O‘ahu faculty member for innovation, excellence, and achievement in online instruction.
Katherine Aumer, assistant professor of Psychology, received her B.A. in Psychology and her B.A. in Theatre from the University of Iowa and her Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Aumer is the head of The Emotions and Relationships Research Lab, which is dedicated to understanding the social and cultural factors that contribute to interpersonal hate, relationship satisfaction, and experiences of discrimination and prejudice.
“Dr. Aumer is a passionate professor who strives each and every single week to energize her students. No matter what course, she helps students reach their full potential through enthusiasm, in person and online,” a nominator commented.
Lecturer Excellence in Teaching: Charod Dodd
The Lecturer Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes the dedication and commitment of our part-time lecturer personnel. This award was established at UH West O‘ahu in 2019.
Charod Dodd, lecturer in Finance, received his Bachelor of Business Administration (concentration in Finance) in 2003 from Alabama State University, his Master of Business Administration (concentration in Finance) from Troy University at Montgomery in 2005, and his Ph.D. in Finance from Mississippi State University in 2012. At UH West O‘ahu, he teaches courses in International Marketing, Investments, Business Finance, Macroeconomics, and Personal Finance.
“You can tell he is passionate about what he teaches and actually gets me excited to attend his class and learn from him,” a student said. “I love how patient he is and truly listens. You can tell he truly cares about his students and wants to help them truly learn how to implement what he teaches even after his class is over. I also love the assignment challenge he gave us which gives us real life experience to truly learn how to trade and invest.”
Kumupa‘a Award: Jarrett Lucero
The UH West O‘ahu Kumupa‘a Staff Award recognizes a civil service or administrative professional and technical (APT) employee for outstanding demonstrated work performance, service, leadership, and/or fostering of excellence in higher education.
Jarrett Lucero, Media/Audio visual employee with Information Technology, was credited with his enthusiastic and daily dedication to the behind-the-scenes AV/IT work, which was shown in the successful online course transitions amid the ongoing pandemic.
“Jarrett has helped to provide solutions and support for many events that have come to campus (since COVID) to include: the WSCUC Accreditation visit, the first in person/live stream BOR meeting, the Kani Kūola UH System Music Festival, and the first in person/live stream and recorded graduation ceremony,” a nominator said.