CWU organization presents annual Professor’s Excellence Awards

Central Washington University's Tom Ogg Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary hosted the 15th annual Honoring Our Professor's Excellence (H.O.P.E.) Awards on Monday, May 22.

The H.O.P.E. Awards were developed to honor faculty who instill Central's students with a love of learning inside and outside the classroom, build intentional relationships, and contribute to students' sense of belonging.

The winner of the 2022-23 H.O.P.E. Award was Dr. Erika Pazian, assistant professor of Art History, who was selected because of her commitment to student involvement and passion for teaching and research in art history.

Dr. Pazian is known for planning engaging events for her students and encouraging them to participate in the Ellensburg First Friday Art Walks. She also stays involved with students through the Art and Design Club and helps them coordinate fundraisers.

The student who nominated her wrote, "She has inspired me to attend more events and student/local galleries. Dr. Pazian is a great professor and passionate about student involvement both inside and outside the classroom."

The other 10 faculty members nominated by residence hall students this year were:

• Dr. Tennecia Dacass, Economics
• Colin Nash, Paramedicine
• Natalie Fish, Child Development and Family Science
• Dr. Lauren Nuckols, Philosophy and Religious Studies
• Dr. Keith Reyes, Education
• Dr. Matthew Altman, Philosophy and Religious Studies
• Dr. Eric Graham, Biology & Craft Brewing
• Dr. Mark Perez, Health Education
• Kristine Miller, Wine Studies and Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management
• Karen Turcotte, Philosophy and Religious Studies

The National Residence Hall Honorary members thank all students who submitted faculty nominations for this annual award.

The Tom Ogg Chapter at Central Washington University is committed to making an impact for people on campus and in the community. The chapter hold true to the national standards of being "a leadership-based honorary comprised of exemplary residential students who value recognition and service."

Learn more about the National Residence Hall Honorary and National Association of College and University Residence Halls at nrhh.nacurh.org.