These are the 2018 winners of Augusta University’s Teaching Excellence Awards

The Augusta University Teaching Excellence Awards were presented at the Faculty Senate meeting on Oct. 26.

Dr. Martha Jennings, assistant professor in the College of Nursing, received the Online Teaching Excellence award. Jennings is a founding faculty member of Augusta University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. She received the award based on her “extraordinary commitment to fostering the academic success of online students through the development of rapport with the individual learners in and beyond the virtual classroom.” Students praise her ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively.

Dr. Marsha Loda, associate professor of Marketing in the Hull College of Business, received the Individual Teaching Excellence Award for her commitment to teaching and learning, use of effective teaching strategies, and commitment to fostering academic success for students through interaction outside the classroom.

Hull College Dean Dr. Rick Franza praised Loda for her role as a “motivator, advocator and educator.” She was also recognized for her impact on the community through her work with students to develop “Bridging the Gap,” a dinner to take place on the Fifth Street Bridge to raise money for the homeless community in downtown Augusta.

Elementary Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning in the College of Education took home the award for Program Teaching Excellence, given to a program or department that “promotes, supports and recognizes excellence in teaching and in service to students.” The program was noted for innovation and success in its collaboration with local elementary schools and faculty-in-residence arrangement.

“The faculty in the program are actively engaged in ongoing professional learning and reflective continuous improvement,” said Dr. Judi Wilson, interim dean of the College of Education.

All winners will go on to compete for the Regents Teaching Excellence awards next summer.

For more information contact Aisling Reigle, call (706) 737-1724 or visit Faculty Development and Teaching Excellence.