Professors At Three Colorado State University System Schools Win Teaching-Excellence Awards
Wednesday, May 7, 1997
FORT COLLINS--The State Board of Agriculture today presented
the 1997 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Awards to
professors at Colorado State University, the University of
Southern Colorado and Fort Lewis College.
The professors received awards for outstanding teaching at a
meeting of the State Board, which sponsors the award and governs
the three-school Colorado State University System.
Winners were Frank Vattano from the department of psychology
at Colorado State, Maya Avi、a from the College of Humanities and
Social Sciences at the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo,
and Jim Mills, professor of chemistry at Fort Lewis College in
Durango.
Frank Vattano is a pioneer in applying multimedia technology
to improve classroom instruction and is one of Colorado State's
most ardent proponents of multimedia, which includes videotapes,
film clips, videodiscs, compact discs and related visual
presentations.
Colleagues describe Vattano as "a consummate scholar-teacher
who always carries a heavy instructional load," which means he
teaches introductory psychology to more than 400 undergraduates
each academic year. Other colleagues said: "Above all else, he is
a genuine and caring human being."
Students enrolled in Vattano's courses commented on his
skilled use of technology in the classroom and his engaging and
dynamic teaching style. They also commended him for lectures that
are organized and enriched because he incorporates the most
current teaching technologies.
Vattano, a 1958 alumnus of Colorado State, has devoted
almost 29 years to teaching and administration at the university.
He first joined Colorado State in 1964 as an assistant professor.
After one year, he moved to the University of Denver where he
served three years as associate dean of arts and sciences and one
year as vice chancellor for student affairs.
In 1969, he returned to Colorado State as associate director
of the Human Factors Research Laboratory and associate professor
of psychology. A year later, he was promoted to assistant
academic vice president for instructional development. From 1976-
1986, Vattano served as dean of what now is the College of
Liberal Arts. He then rejoined the psychology department to
pursue his interest in teaching and multimedia.
Maya Avi、a, who joined the University of Southern Colorado
in 1995, is cited for developing exciting and innovative ways to
involve her students in learning. "Her passion for teaching and
compassion make her the best kind of teacher - both mentor and
role model," said Les Wong, the university's provost and interim
president. "She encourages, inspires and empowers students to
reach for their dreams."
Avi、a's advanced graphic-design workshop provides students
the opportunity to produce professionally printed work. Among
results from her most recent workshop were a full-color poster
for the USC Music Fest; the cover and interior illustration of
the university's Continuing Education schedule and bulletin; and
a logo, business card, newsletter header and type design for the
Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo.
The Colorado Council on the Arts in 1996 awarded Avi、a an
Artists and Organizations Award for VOCES ARTISTICAS, a project
to teach minority high-school students about the college
experience and how to use art as a means to express their
opinions. The project also has brought internationally known
artists to campus for lectures and workshops.
Chemistry professor Jim Mills, recognized for his commitment
to students, is credited with inspiring hundreds of students at
Fort Lewis College to pursue careers in science. Students credit
him with being an entertaining, effective and knowledgeable
teacher. "Dr. Mills has a unique teaching style. Chemistry is not
always a "fun" subject, but Dr. Mills has a way of making it
interesting and lively," said one student.
In addition to teaching, Mills has served in a number of
campus leadership positions, including chairman of the chemistry
department and member of the Faculty Executive Council. In 1994,
he served on a United Nations-sponsored international panel to
address barriers facing women pursuing science degrees in
developing countries.
Mills, who received his doctorate in physical chemistry in
1967 from Brown University, has taught at Fort Lewis College
since 1973. He recently was a visiting scholar at the University
of Arizona and has been a visiting scientist at the University of
Indiana.
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