Three USAO professors honored with Regents Awards for teaching, scholarship, service
The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s Board of Regents recently honored three faculty members for their exceptional contributions to higher education with awards for faculty service, superior teaching and scholarly activities.
“I hold a deep admiration for our institution’s dedicated faculty,” said President Kayla Hale. “Their commitment to enhancing and upholding the standards of our academic programs is fundamental to our student’s continued success. Each recipient embodies the highest standards of excellence in their respective fields.”
Dr. Jason Shaw, professor of biology, received the Faculty Service Award for his contributions beyond the classroom. He maintains an active role within the USAO faculty and committee assignments, while also making significant contributions to educational workshops at the Jean McLaughlin Outdoor Education & Research Center. Shaw also represents USAO with the Oklahoma Academy of Science, serving as the biology chair.
Dr. Holly Hatfield, assistant professor of economics, received the Superior Teaching Award for her exceptional support and encouragement of her students. She fosters an inclusing learning environment where students feel empowered to engage with economics. Her dedication is evident through her accessibility during office hours, dynamic classroom instruction, and commitment to student well-being.
Dr. Rachel Jones, dean of the School of Science & Physical Education, received the Scholarly Activities Award for her exceptional activities, including securing numerous grants for the school. Jones continually expands her expertise in areas such as woody encroachment, paleoecology and methane detection sensors to enrich her teaching curriculum with innovative content.
Each year, recipients are chosen by the Regents Awards Committee on campus. For the superior teaching award, both students and faculty nominate candidates. To qualify, a candidate must be a full-time faculty member, must have been employed by USAO for at least a year, and must not have received the award in the past year.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.