Kaua‘i Community College professors among University of Hawai‘i faculty honored for excellence in teaching, research

Two Kaua‘i Community College professors were among several University of Hawai‘i members recognized statewide for their excellence in teaching and research.

Overall, 14 UH faculty members were awarded the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching, and three received the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research.

In addition, six UH teachers were recognized with the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, and a Windward Community College assistant professor has won the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education.

“Congratulations to our world-class honorees who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in teaching and scholarship,” said UH President David Lassner. “These remarkable educators improve and inspire students, colleagues and communities through their innovation, hard work and service.”

Steven Nakata, assistant professor and chair of the culinary department at Kaua‘i Community College received the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes faculty who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values beneficial to students.

For the full list of the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching recipients, click here.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research, which recognizes faculty member’s scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of all in the community, nation and the world, was awarded to three UH Mānoa faculty members.

Learn more about them here.

Stephen Taylor, professor of physical sciences at Kauaʻi Community College, was among the recipients of the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, which recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students.

The award was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and UH Mānoa for 19 years. Click here for the full list of awardees.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education rewards outstanding achievement and significant contribution to vocational and technical education by a community college faculty member or student. The award was established by family members to honor the namesakes’ role in development of the food industry in Hawai‘i.

This year’s winner is Jenny Kelly, assistant professor and veterinary program director at Windward Community College. Click here for more information about Kelly.