UH Faculty Honored for Excellence in Teaching

Faculty at Hawai‘i Community College–Pālamanui and University of Hawaii at Hilo were among individuals recognized by the university for their innovation and commitment to educating students.

Fifteen UH faculty members from across the state have been awarded the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. Of the 15 instructors, two were from UH campuses on Hawai‘i Island: Tanya Dean, assistant professor of English, Hawai‘i Community College–Pālamanui, and Justina Taft Mattos, assistant professor of drama and performing arts, UH Hilo.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching recognizes faculty who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values beneficial to students.

“Our extraordinary, innovative, caring University of Hawai‘i faculty are second to none,” said UH President David Lassner. “Especially in these challenging times, their dedication and commitment elevates and inspires our students even as their scholarship and engagement helps address pressing global issues and improve lives across our islands.”

In addition, six UH teachers have been recognized with the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. This award recognizes the dedication and demonstrated excellence of teachers of undergraduate students. Two of the recipients were from UH campuses on Hawai‘i Island: Ruria Namba, biology instructor, Hawai‘i Community College–Pālamanui, and Lissa Tsutsumi, assistant professor of applied agricultural science and biotechnology, UH Hilo.