Often, an educator will say the most meaningful gift they can receive is a handwritten note of how their teachings positively impacted one’s life – whether it be through growth and learning or simply having heard someone’s voice and seen their potential. Last month, the Jerry S. Rawls Distinguished Undergraduate Educator Awards recognized four of Rawls College’s outstanding faculty with exactly this, and more.
Touted as one of the highlights of the year, Dean of Rawls College Margaret Williams says celebrating distinguished teaching and learning aligns with the college’s mission and vision of transforming lives.
“Five years ago, Mr. Rawls said he wanted these awards to be student and alumni driven and to support faculty from all walks – from teaching assistants and doctoral students to non-tenured faculty, part-time instructors, and full-time faculty – who make a difference in the lives of undergraduate students,” she said.
This year’s nomination criteria opened a whole new field of potential nominees. For the first time, any faculty member who taught an undergraduate-level course within Rawls College at any time could be nominated. As ever, the end goal is to recognize teaching that goes above and beyond to inspire, challenge, and prepare students for long-term success.
Jerry S. Rawls spoke to the audience before presenting the awards and said it’s special to recognize people who have an unusual impact on young minds and what they see as possible in their future.
“Through these awards, we recognize educators who have changed a young person’s vision of what they can personally achieve, not only at Texas Tech but in their lives,” he said. “That doesn’t come without effort – in preparation, for a passioned and committed focus in the classroom, in empathy, and in personal involvement with your students – and I thank you for that effort.”
Of Special Meaning
This year’s awards drew 183 nominations for 66 educators. The recurring theme among the winners is how humbling it is to be honored through the heartfelt sentiments of their students’ nominations.
Award winner Daniel Kuzmich, a marketing doctoral student, says his history is evidence of the power of a good teacher.
“I was not a good student, historically, but I had a lot of teachers that pulled me aside, time again, and told me I had potential,” Kuzmich said. “Eventually, I realized I did, and I wanted to be like those teachers who influenced me and that’s why I got into teaching.”
Alanna Hirshman, Ph.D., award winner and management assistant professor, strives to be a source of light, wisdom, and encouragement.
“I wake up every day and tell my students to find their purpose, not just a paycheck, because you can do so much more when you find a purpose that speaks to you and gives you drive,” Hirshman said. “This award helps me see I’m working toward that own purpose for myself, so I’m kind of practicing what I preach to them.”
Management professor of practice and award winner Feruzan Irani Williams, Ph.D., is known for her excited energy that brings the classroom alive.
“I have always liked the idea of molding thought, of enabling somebody to see what they couldn’t themselves see, because I didn’t know I would make it to this point and were it not for my professors providing that framework for me, I wouldn’t be here today,” Williams said. “My hope is I’m able to provide somebody with this vision, and to know I have had an impact on somebody’s life means the world to me – just having the knowledge that, at least for one student, it mattered…it brings so much joy to my heart.”
Award winner Anish Quenim, a family enterprise part-time instructor, says this award is a celebration of 120 students he’s had the chance to learn from rather than teach.
“I started my family business class by inviting guest speakers from the industry,” Quenim says. “Today, my family business class is filled with guest speakers of students who’ve graduated and come back with their families to speak, and that’s the most special thing – continued connections.”
Of Special Note
The following are excerpts from student nominations.
Daniel Kuzmich
“[Daniel] has an unwavering passion for teaching and mentorship. [He] tailors his
teaching style to resonate with a new generation of students ensuring that every lecture
is not only informative but also inspiring. He takes the time to connect with us on
a personal level offering guidance and encouragement to help us achieve our goals,
whether it is providing career advice, facilitating networking opportunities, or simply
being a source of motivation. In a world where genuine mentorship can be rare, Daniel
exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator who truly cares about the future
of his students.”
“Not only were his classes always interesting as he shared his real-life experiences, but I also felt that by taking his class I gained invaluable knowledge and solidified that attending Texas Tech University was worth the time, stress, tears, and all self-doubt.”
Anish Quenim
“Anish is the friendliest, most caring, and invested teacher I have ever had in the
Rawls and at Texas Tech. He made going to class truly enjoyable and was always there
to assist students with class work, life problems, etc. He is the true definition
of a great mentor and teacher. I will be sad having to complete his class – that is
how much I enjoyed it.”
“He was engaging and genuine and while he covered the basic curriculum, he went above and beyond to make the classroom feel like a safe space. From seeing him in the hallways to visiting him in his office hours, he always had a big smile and was willing to speak to you and help you. Thank you, Anish, for making my last semester here at Texas Tech so amazing.”
Alanna Hirshman, Ph.D.
“Ever since I came to college, I have never genuinely known or have interacted frequently
on a day-to-day basis with more than two people ever. But at the end of this semester,
I feel I have gotten to know and interact with the majority of my class, which made
me feel like I was part of something that wasn’t just class. It made me feel like
I was a part of a community who genuinely all loved coming to that class as much as
I did.”
“Dr. Hirshman taught this course with a unique approach integrating real-life application to help us understand how the concepts could be used in practical studies. Beyond academics, she went above and beyond to create networking opportunities for her students, even helping those of us who might not have had existing connections or been aware of how important these relationships are. As a first-generation college student, I deeply appreciated her efforts to open doors that could significantly impact our future careers.”
“Texas Tech is a large campus with many students and professors, but she has made me feel like I am not just a number. Although she may not realize it, she has taught me that it takes one person to take an interest in you to make you feel like you can succeed. She has made me want to be a better student and further my education. I hope that one day I can have an impact on others the way she has on me.”
Feruzan Irani Williams, Ph.D.
“Dr. Feruzan Williams is very passionate about the subject, which helps students stay
interested in and understand her teaching. Her excitement about human resources and
business ideas was contagious, and she was good at relating the material to real-life
situations, making it easy to relate to and useful. The way she could explain very
complex ideas in simple terms shows that she was dedicated to seeing us do well, not
just in class but also in our future jobs.”
“She was a pillar to my learning experience at Texas Tech and provided me with the foundation for keeping in touch with the university.”
“Dr. Feruzan Williams is not the kind of teacher one would easily forget. I think she is a big reason why the Rawls College of Business is so well respected. Her teaching gave me important knowledge and values, and it also made me proud to be a Red Raider. Dr. Williams gave me the confidence to pursue my goals, and I will always remember her as a great support toward my achievement of success. I owe part of my success today to her hard work and influence.”
Special Thanks to the Selection Committee
Dino Villegas, Ph.D. – Chair
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs; Professor of Practice, Rawls College of Business
Vijay Hegde, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences
Kristen Michelson
Associate Professor, Classical & Modern Languages & Literatures
Ali Nejat, Ph.D.
Professor, Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering