Three faculty members have been recognized with the distinction of Distinguished University Lecturer for their commitment to advancing student learning and supporting student success.
The UToledo Board of Trustees approved the honor for the educators at its April 26 meeting.
The 2022-23 Distinguished University Lecturers are:
• Dr. Sally Harmych, senior lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics;
• Sandra Robinson, associate lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and
• Dr. Kathy Shan, senior lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
“The Distinguished University Lecturer is an honor reserved for the most dedicated educators who have consistently displayed a commitment to provide our students with a world-class education,” said Dr. Risa Dickson, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The lecturers recognized this year have demonstrated an admirable passion for student learning and success.”
Harmych
Harmych has been a member of the UToledo faculty since 2003 and has established a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment for students that encourages active learning and provides opportunities to apply their acquired knowledge.
She has provided service on numerous departmental, college and university committees, including service as a faculty mentor for the Summer Scholars Program and participation in the Student Experience Project. Named a National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences in 2015, Harmych has been recognized with UToledo’s Outstanding Teaching Award and Student Impact Award in 2011.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as a Distinguished University Lecturer,” Harmych said. “I am lucky to be able to do what I love every day at a place that I love. UToledo gave me a great start as a student and having the opportunity to be a small part of my students’ journeys is a privilege. In my classrooms I strive to help students develop the skills they need to be successful both academically and in life. The statements written by students in support of my nomination affirm that my efforts are having an impact.
“Thank you to all of my students. They motivate me to continue learning and trying new things in the classroom. I look forward to continuing my contributions to the UToledo community staying focused on students and providing them with the best experience possible.”
Robinson
Robinson joined UToledo in 2015 and has fostered a sense of belonging in her students by the promotion of their well-being through engaging and innovative methods that demonstrate her commitment to their success.
She has made numerous academic presentations, participated in numerous professional development opportunities and provided service to her colleagues as a Student Experience Project Equity Champion Resource Fellow and cohort chair, and as a participant in the statewide Ohio Mathematics Initiative. In 2022, Robinson received The University of Toledo MAC Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Excellence in Teaching Award.
“I love my work, teaching is a part of who I am,” Robinson said. “I truly care for my students’ well-being and their personal and academic success. I center that care through my teaching and service to our University, as being a part of their adventure at UToledo, and helping them succeed is the greatest reward.
“I am humbled, grateful and honored to be recognized amongst the best educators at UToledo as a Distinguished University Lecturer. Through the support of my family, friends and colleagues, I continue to have the courage to keep striving for excellence in and out of the classroom.”
Shan
Shan joined UToledo in 2004 and has shown a deep understanding of teaching and pedagogy in addition to the disciplinary content she teaches. She has created an interactive learning environment that provides opportunities for her students to work together and reinforce the knowledge they acquire.
She has made numerous academic presentations and provided service on departmental, college and university committees, including her participation in the Student Experience Project (SEP) and service as a SEP peer leader. Shan was the recipient of The University of Toledo Provost’s Shining Star Award in 2014 and the Outstanding Teaching Award in 2022.
“Being named Distinguished University Lecturer is both an honor and a responsibility,” Shan said. “It means that I have the opportunity to share my expertise and knowledge of physics with a diverse range of students, and to inspire and educate them through my teaching. I believe that being a teacher requires a strong commitment to ongoing learning and growth, both for myself and for my students, as well as a deep passion for the subject matter, and I hope that I can convey that to every group of students that I have.
“I view this role as a chance to make a positive impact on the University and the community by sharing my love of physics with students in a way that is accessible, engaging and impactful.”
