This award recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching and learning by part-time faculty members. They will be honored at the Spring Kickoff Event on Jan. 24, at 3:30 p.m., in Millard Auditorium.
Kyle Grimm
Music Theory, The Hartt School
Kyle Grim has been teaching for the Hartt School since 2017 and UIS since 2020. In addition to his work as a composer, double bassist, and educator, he dedicates his time to service through assessment and high-impact practices. His colleague states: “I could talk about Professor Grimm’s strengths aside from education as well, but instead, I’ll simply say that he seamlessly integrates relevant experiences and knowledge into his teaching pedagogy. His well-roundedness as a composer, performer, and supporter of new music is a luxury for his students. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him and to have had him as a professor and role model during my time at The Hartt School."
Katrina Hawley
Dance, The Hartt School
Katrina Hawley has been teaching at the Hartt School since 2008 and specializes in functional movement with an emphasis on dance education and movement rehabilitation. Her colleague states: “Hawley has clearly reflected deeply on the student/teacher relationship. She has asked, and answered, for herself questions about the use of language-appropriate expectations ad clear guidance, and effective modes for encouraging unself-conscious exploration and inquiry. The students trust her, feel respected and understood, and are therefore willing to try out new ideas before really comprehending them. This is essential for dance because much of the necessary knowledge is acquired through physical doing. Students need the freedom to take risks and explore the as-yet-unknown. All students, and especially First Years encountering something completely unfamiliar, need also to feel free to “not know,” to ask questions, and to comment on their experiences. Professor Hawley makes certain that the studio atmosphere is, above all, felt to be absolutely for them and their learning”.
Jason M. Hegenauer
College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture
A proud alum, Jason Hegenauer has been teaching in CETA since 2016. In addition to his teaching and professional commitments, he dedicates time to college and departmental-level service. His colleague notes: “His first-year projects apply abstract, theoretical concepts to a real-world example allowing the students to see the relationships between design, theory, and construction, thereby facilitating a better understanding of the subject while increasing their engagement in the courses. As such, student skills in introductory courses significantly increased during his tenure, and student evaluations reflected a greater satisfaction with the instructor and coursework.
Daniel Maday
Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Daniel Maday has been teaching in the Online Master of Science in Organizational Psychology Program since 2018 and has specific expertise in training and development, online education, program evaluation, and neurodiversity in the workplace. His former student notes that Daniel “is a role model” and “mentor and source of inspiration.” She further states “His teaching philosophy was profoundly inspiring and engaging. Whether through group projects or weekly live lectures, he consistently created an environment that kept me, and my peers engaged and eager to learn.”
Mary Helen Millham
Communication, College of Arts and Sciences
Mary Helen Millham has been teaching in the School of Communication since 2016 and has revamped the CMM 110 curriculum to focus on face-to-face hands-on exercises and assignments. A former student notes: “A specific quality that I admire about Professor Millham is her ability to give students the confidence they need to go out into the professional world. Before taking her class during my freshman year, I was beyond insecure about myself and my abilities. But as the class went on, I watched myself and my classmates blossom into more confident versions of ourselves. Without Professor Millham, I have no idea where I would be.”