Teaching Awards - College of Social and Behavioral Science

Superior Teaching

Lisa Aspinwall
The college recognized Lisa Aspinwall of psychology as the senior recipient of the CSBS Superior Teaching Award. As one student wrote, "Dr. Aspinwall uses her time in the classroom for one reason only: to assure that her students are learning. She recognizes the importance of learning and successfully incorporates it into her teaching style. It is obvious that Dr. Aspinwall is genuinely excited about what she does, and that excitement shines through in her teaching. As a graduate student myself, I try to model my teaching style after hers, and her teaching will certainly have a lasting impact on me."

Simon Brewer
Simon Brewer of geography was recognized by the college as the junior recipient of the CSBS Superior Teaching Award. According to one student's nomination, "Dr. Brewer is more than deserving of the recognition for his excellence in teaching. He exhibits an infinite amount of patience with an extraordinary ability to explain abstract concepts in simple terms. The subject matter he teaches becomes not only accessible but applicable in areas well beyond the course. The university and the college have an incredible asset in Dr. Brewer, not only as a teacher, but as a mentor and scholar as well."

Superior Research

Bert Uchino
Psychology professor Bert Uchino was the senior recipient of the CSBS Superior Research Award. Uchino was also recognized by the university and awarded the Distinguished Scholarly and Creative Research Award. As one external reviewer said, "Uchino's theoretical contributions are extraordinary, and his productivity is exceptional. He is internationally known as a stellar theorist and researcher in the fields of social and health psychology, as well as behavioral medicine. Uchino is truly a luminary in the field and his long history of distinguished scholarly accomplishments deserve the highest recognition."

Read more about Uchino's research.

Wade Cole
In only his second year at the university, Wade Cole of sociology was recognized as the junior recipient of the CSBS Superior Research Award. "Dr. Cole is a remarkably productive and independent scholar that conducts exceptional quality research and high impact in his field. He has consistently contributed to both theoretical and empirical research in comparative sociology, and is certainly one of the best among his cohort in terms of scholarly quality and inference," states one external reviewer.

Read more about Cole's research.

Staff Excellence

Shelley Kruger
Shelley Kruger of The Center for Public Policy & Administration received this year's Staff Excellence Award. According to one nomination letter, "Shelley has a friendly demeanor and is always able to provide a positive perspective. She doesn't bring you problems, she brings you options on how to solve problems. Her depth of knowledge is impressive, not just about financial systems but also organizational structure of the institution."

Innovative Teaching Awards

In anticipating the rapidly changing education landscape, our professors have proven that they’re up for the challenge. The recipients of this year’s Innovative Teaching Awards come from all different areas of the college including geography, psychology, political science, anthropology, and family and consumer studies. Click here to learn more.

Patricia Saccomano & Geri Mendoza
Adrian Bell, Brian Codding & Alan Rogers
Steve Farber
Sam Handlin
Paula Williams

CTLE Teaching Fellows

Russ Isabella & Monica Tsethlikai
Family and consumer studies professor Russell Isabella and psychology professor Monica Tsethlikai were recently named inaugural Teaching Fellows for the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence (CTLE). The CTLE Teaching Fellows are a select group of faculty from across campus dedicated to enhancing the teaching mission by identifying and planning initiatives that will improve the teaching and learning at the U.

University Awards

Gina Shipley: The Faculty Mentor of the Year Award
As the CSBS Director of Advising and Inclusion, Gina Shipley has a wide-range of responsibilities including mentoring all department advisors and student ambassadors, acting as a liaison for the college with Salt Lake Community College, advising students, and even teaching her own undergraduate courses in career development. One nomination letter said, "In short, Ms. Shipley is a dedicated and skilled professional, who is passionate about her role in mentoring both staff and students." Shipley was awarded The Faculty Mentor of the Year Award at a banquet held on April 17.

CSBS Student Ambassadors: The Commitment to Service Award
The CSBS Student Ambassadors were also present at the banquet on April 17 and received The Commitment to Service Award as recognition of their significant contributions to the college through their projects and events over the past year. Through their connection with Community Engagement Day, continued work with Bennion Elementary School, as well as Project Youth, their campaign to increase student involvement has been of great benefit to the college. As one nomination letter said, "This year, the team went beyond the scope of their service and is actively engaged in helping connect students on campus, not only to each other, but making connections that matter in the community."

Bobbi Davis: UAAC Outstanding Academic Advisor Award
Family and consumer studies advisor Bobbi Davis was recently acknowledged for her exceptional work with students by being awarded this year's Outstanding Academic Advisor Award. "Bobbi builds trust with her students. She is willing to go the extra mile, not only to advise a student with his/her academic plan, but also connect the student to resources that make a measurable difference in academic success. She maintains a positive and professional relationship with students, faculty and staff on campus," according to one nomination letter.

District Staff Excellence Award

The District Staff Excellence Awards program is to recognize superior service and ongoing contributions by the University's full-time staff. Winners received a cash prize of $300 and was nominated with a group of 24 others for the $5,000 University Staff Excellence Award.

Dennis Laros: 2013 Recipient
Psychology

Pam Schaefer: 2012 Recipient
Military Science

Annual Awards