Congratulations to the 2023 Faculty Instructional Award Winners

The Faculty Instructional Awards are designed to reward those instructors at Kalamazoo Valley who actively encourage students' intellectual curiosity, engage them in the enterprise of learning and have a life-long impact. This year's recipients, announced during the Fall Summit, were:

Meredith Holland, Psychology Faculty

Nominators said: "I have never felt so engaged in a class. She is beyond amazing at what she does and has reasonable expectations. This is the second Psychology class I have taken (first being at my high school) and this one is by far the best! She makes it so easy to understand and retain the material. I would definitely take another class of hers."

And: "Dr. Holland is an instructor that actually cares about her students and wants them to succeed. Sometimes she could be stern but ultimately is because she cares. She also loves her job therefore that comes through her teaching. This is my second semester with Dr. Holland. I nominate her because she loves what she does and it's not just a "job" to her. She puts her heart and soul into teaching us. Please bestow this honor onto her to let her know that her love and appreciate her hard work."

Jenny Ott, Communications Faculty

This was Ott's second time receiving the award. Her nominators said:

"Jenny has been a fantastic professor in both of the classes I've taken from her and I've always loved how invested she is in her students education. She gives her all to every lesson and concept and uses real-life examples to clarify any points or topics. She an amazing teacher who genuinely cares about her students - a rare trait that's highly desired nowadays." And: "Hands down best professor I have had and probably will ever get. Always respectful in the class and created such a great learning environment and atmosphere that was good and able to feel comfortable sharing any experience with. The teaching was how I would want in every class. I would 1000% recommend to anyone."

Joel Boone, Culinary Faculty

One of his nominators said: "I am currently doing an internship with Chef Joel. The class has the maximum enrollment allowed which is a challenge for anyone in a trade. The diversity of the enrolled students is immense which provides its own challenges in a trade program as opposed to an academic curriculum. Joel Boone is precise, competent, accepting and values the diversity of the students. Never have I witnessed Chef Joel dismiss, devalue nor be frustrated by any student. No minute in his class is wasted. Joel Boone takes pride in his career. He strives to elevate each student's experience and promote their goals and ambitions no matter whether grand or minor. Chef Joel's knowledge base and professional background is stellar as well as his involvement with the culinary community via involvement in professional organizations. Chef is always able and willing to share his vast knowledge and delights in the success of his students. Chef Joel is an excellent mentor to all and is always available to his students. Most importantly Joel Boone "walks quietly and carries a big stick" as regards those he meets on a daily basis. I highly recommend Joel Boone for this award."

Another said, "Chef Joel Boone is truly a ONE of one instructor. His teaching style is fun informative and just an overall pleasant experience. Even though I'm an older student with quite a few years of kitchen experience and I still learned a lot and almost felt like I wasn't even in school. Colleges need more instructors like Mr. Boone. I hope he wins the award. He deserves it."

Steve Walman, Business and Accounting Faculty

"Superior engagement throughout the entire semester," is how one of Walman's nominators described him, "Encouraging students to continue to turn in work even if it's late and to give students the opportunity to earn extra credit by engaging in class communication and learning skills. By far the best instructor I have had in my adult educational experience. Mr. Walman soars in excellence with his passion for teaching and his commitment towards the students in their education."

student said, "Mr. Walman has a way of letting his experience with the subject matter shine through in his instruction. He connects with music, engages with stories, and delights with his own trademark witticisms. Walman's "corny wisdom principles" are actually nuggets of pure gold--foundational habits and tactics for building a career and handling the roller coaster of working life."

Elizabeth Lincoln, former part-time English Faculty

Her nominators said, "Mrs. Liz went above and beyond to help me during her classes. She has helped me understand each assignment. She has also taught me a lot in her classes that I have put to use in my daily work environment. She is an outstanding professor and I appreciate her help this semester. Without her help and encouragement this semester I would not be where I am today. I have a better understanding of English and reading in the college form. I truly am greatly for all her help. I thank her very much for everything she has done to help me become better in my work. She deserves any award honestly she's truly one of the best professors I've ever had. Thank you Mrs. Liz. When I graduate from Kalamazoo Valley I hope to see you there."

Another student said, "Liz is not only a great teacher but she is also very understanding and accepting. I was always excited to go to her class (which doesn't happen often for me) and I think that says a lot. She was always there to help me with any of my work even if she had to explain multiple times. And every class period she would talk to us about how we were and life before we went into the material for that day. It was a lot to have two classes in one, but she made it worth it. I think I'll always remember her!"

Kathy Mirakovits, Physics Faculty

She was described as, "An all-around phenomenal professor. She is kind, accommodating and as cliche as it sounds makes learning fun! She's so engaging, and I have so much respect for what she does. She's incredibly knowledgeable in her field and she goes above and beyond when it comes to the success of her students."

Another student said, "The reason I am nominating professor Mirakovits is because she is hands down one of the best teachers I have had in my years of schooling. She has made learning so fun and so interesting and I truly believe that she has made a huge impact in my learning career. Because of professor Mirakovits I am now looking into furthering my education in the forensics field. I without a doubt believe she is the perfect fit for this award."