11 UF/IFAS Faculty Members, Graduate Students Honored with National NACTA Teaching Awards

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) recognized University of Florida faculty and students for their excellence in teaching at its 64th annual conference in June at Iowa State University.

The conference brings together faculty, staff and students to share their scholarship of teaching and learning, and recognize those who are at the forefront of their profession. UF/IFAS faculty and graduate students who teach undergraduates in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) received 11 awards across four award categories.

“Faculty who teach within CALS are consistently recognized for their interactive teaching methods, use of innovative technology and commitment to student success,” said CALS Dean Elaine Turner. “More than 60 UF/IFAS faculty have earned NACTA teaching awards since 1990. We are proud of all this year’s award recipients, and are grateful for their success improving the learning experience for our students.”

The following faculty and students received 2018 NACTA teaching awards:

NACTA Educator Award

Recipients of the Educator Award are evaluated on their teaching philosophy; recommendations by students, alumni, peers and administrators; and a self-evaluation.

  • Larry Forthun, associate professor in the family, youth and community sciences department
  • Victor Harris, associate professor in the family, youth and community sciences department
  • Anne Mathews, associate professor in the food science and human nutrition department
  • Matthew Sowcik, assistant professor in the agricultural education and communication department
  • Andrew Thoron, associate professor in the agricultural education and communication department

 

NACTA Teaching Scholar Award

This award recognizes individuals who have previously received the NACTA Educator award, demonstrate a strong commitment to NACTA, actively publish and present their teaching scholarship, and have a teaching influence beyond their campus.

  • Grady Roberts, professor in the agricultural education and communication department

 

Excellence in Teaching and Learning with Technology

This award recognizes one individual who demonstrates excellence in using technology to enhance post-secondary instruction in agriculture.

  • Monika Oli, senior lecturer in the microbiology and cell science department

 

NACTA Graduate Student Teaching Award

Recipients of the Graduate Student Teaching Award are recognized as outstanding teachers who have been involved in classroom instruction for at least one year.

  • Blake Colclasure, Ph.D. student in the agricultural education and communication department
  • Sarah LaRose, Ph.D. student in the agricultural education and communication department
  • Taylor Ruth, Ph.D. student in the agricultural education and communication department
  • Anna Warner, Ph.D. student in the agricultural education and communication department.

-30-

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) administers the degree programs of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The mission of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to deliver unsurpassed educational programs that prepare students to address the world’s critical challenges related to agriculture, food systems, human wellbeing, natural resources and sustainable communities. The college has received more total (national and regional combined) USDA teaching awards than any other institution. Visit the CALS website at cals.ufl.edu, and follow CALS on social media platforms at @ufcals.

0


Posted: July 5, 2018


Category: UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Agricultural Education And Communication, CALS, College Of Agricultural And Life Sciences, Family, Food Science And Human Nutrition, Microbiology And Cell Science, News, Youth And Community Sciences


Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories