Dr. Katherine Sims, Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, received the Rising Star award from the University of Florida Center for Teaching Excellence.
The Rising Star Award honors faculty at the University of Florida who maintain a dedication to improving their teaching methodologies. Rising Stars dedicate their time to improving their craft through professional development courses and certifications offered by the university.
Throughout her time teaching at the University of Florida, Dr. Sims has earned over 15 instructional certificates. These awards reflect her dedication to making education an enjoyable and fulfilling journey for her students.
Dr. Sims joined the FYCS faculty in 2026. She has taught courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She also advises undergraduate FYCS students. According to past students, Sims is “extremely supportive, communicative, and highly responsive. She cares about how well her students do and wants to make sure they do well.”
Students applaud her for her commitment to meeting her students where they are. Many students note her determination to ensure every student succeeds— a core component of her teaching philosophy.
Sims, a graduate from the Youth Development and Family Sciences doctoral program, began teaching in the department in 2018 before formally joining the FYCS faculty in 2026. She has also taught courses in the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at the University of Florida and the Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science program at Wilmington University.
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