2011 Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awardees

In 2011, twelve Sustained Excellence Awards were presented to teachers who demonstrated commitment to their subject, expert knowledge, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage and excite learners and help them succeed in their studies.

Professor Michael Walker

Prime Minister’s Supreme Award recipient 2011

Michael creates pathways for Māori and Pacific learners to succeed in science.

"Knowing who we are."

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Peter Bilous

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Peter ignites enthusiasm for his subject, imparts respect for the alpine environment, and builds learner competence.

"Bringing safety education to life."

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Dr Mary Fitzpatrick

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Linking theory with real-world experience – Mary’s infectious enthusiasm helps learners to understand what motivates consumers.

"Getting beyond the slogan."

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Professor Kevin Gould

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Kevin employs every teaching tool in his botanist toolbox to enhance learner experience.

"The sheer excitement of scientific discovery."

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Associate Professor Jon Harding

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

To breed a culture of learning success Jon totally immerses his learners in the natural world.

"A passion for the natural environment."

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Rena Heap

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

As a role model Rena aims to be what she wants her learner teachers to become.

"Teaching the teachers."

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Professor Robin Kearns

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

By testing learners’ supposed boundaries and probing their potential Robin challenges his learners to extend their academic pathways and careers beyond what they even imagine they can achieve.

"An unswerving belief in learner potential."

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Dr Ross McDonald

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Ross stimulates and challenges learners to find relevance in a rapidly changing world.

"Projecting minds out to a wider world."

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Sandra Lee Morrison

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching – Kaupapa Māori category

Sandra’s teaching style honours where learners have come from and supports their individual learning styles.

"Learning with the heart."

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Dr Ksenija Napan

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Ksenija challenges convention and takes learners on an amazing journey into social justice and mutual respect.

"Looking beyond convention."

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Professor Leoni Schmidt

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Leoni spreads her contagious enthusiasm for the insights of life and learning that can be gained through art education.

"The learning in art."

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Tony Zaharic

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Tony connects his learners to knowledge by weaving information together into engaging stories that inspire creativity and enhance learning.

"The power of story telling."

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