University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu announced its awards for the 2025-2026 academic year. Congratulations to these outstanding recipients!
Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Leslie Crow-Kincaid
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.
Dr. Leslie Crow-Kincaid is an Assistant Professor of General Business and Hospitality in the Business and Cybersecurity Division. Crow-Kincaid’s approach to teaching and learning is built on the formula: Content + Context = Meaning.
Her classes utilize publisher content like textbooks and online resources, but also videos, news, and current events. Information is then applied to a business or personal scenario in which students can apply the material, encouraging students to become critical thinkers and gain meaning through the learning and discovery process.
The UH West O‘ahu Teaching Awards Committee noted that students commend Crow-Kincaid for being an outstanding communicator and highly approachable instructor. Her peer feedback highlights her coherent course organization, clear presentation of key concepts, and skillful use of problem-based learning.
Committee members added, “Her lively teaching style, which incorporates humor, helps sustain student interest and active participation, underscoring a strong commitment to impactful teaching.”
Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching: Dr. Ariel Gruenthal-Rankin
As announced in UH News, 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 Hawai‘i at Mānoa for 19 years.
Dr. Ariel Gruenthal-Rankin is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology in the Division of Social Sciences and serves as the Director of the Applied Forensic Anthropology Certificate. Gruenthal-Rankin is a forensic anthropologist for the state of Hawai‘i whose research explores how forensics can better account for people often overlooked by medicolegal systems.
She is particularly passionate about the integration of critical social theory and community-facing work in forensic anthropology.Gruenthal-Rankin honed her teaching and mentorship pedagogy over 14 years of teaching in STEM, both in classrooms and in field environments. Her philosophy emphasizes sharing mutual respect, harnessing the excitement of learning, and allowing students to have a say in how classes are shaped.
According to the UH West O‘ahu Teaching Awards Committee, students describe Gruenthal-Rankin as kind, thoughtful, and highly engaging, with many highlighting her positive, enjoyable learning environment. Committee members noted that Gruenthal-Rankin’s “qualities reflect a sustained and exceptional commitment to effective, inclusive, and impactful teaching.”
Lecturer Excellence in Teaching: John Stanley
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.
John Stanley is a lecturer in the Business Administration and Social Sciences divisions. He also serves as the director of UH West O‘ahu’s Institutional Research Office.
Stanley’s goal as an instructor is to make analytical thinking accessible, relevant, and empowering for students. He recognizes that many of the courses he teaches — particularly statistics and research methods — may feel intimidating to students who do not see themselves as “quantitative,” so he strives to help them build confidence in their ability to understand data and use evidence to make sense of the world.
The UH West O‘ahu Teaching Awards Committee noted, “His consistently exceptional student evaluations, often rated near-perfect, with comments such as ‘11 out of 10’ and ‘one of my favorite instructors,’ reflect his ability to deliver clear, articulate, and in-depth lectures while creating an engaging and supportive classroom environment. Students frequently highlight his approachable, caring nature and his responsiveness, noting how he makes learning both enjoyable and meaningful.”