Congratulations to Dr. Jamie Gurganus on being selected for the Diane M. Lee Teaching award for AY 20-2021!
The review committee was very impressed with Dr. Gurganus’ application and the comments shared by her students and colleagues. Dr. Gurganus’ approach to her own professional development and how that enhanced her creativity in working with her students is truly unique. She has given herself permission to explore teaching and learning through multiple phases of a student’s educational experience, and, as a result, she has developed and allowed for multiple ways of learning on the part of the students. That creativity and innovation supports them in learning who they are and what they can accomplish. It also makes room for every student to create a space for learning that is uniquely their own.
"Dr. Gurganus, or more affectionately named Prof G by many students, is the type of instructor that teaches with care and mattering. She is a professor that cares about you as a whole person and your success in and out of the classroom. She truly listens to students and explains concepts in a way that is straightforward, giving students the resources and support they need in order to be successful. She emulates and teaches what it means to be an engineer and the importance of professional skills, thinking critically, and being the best you can be. She has been a huge mentor and inspiration for me throughout my career, both personally and professionally, and I am so glad I could assist in the recognition she rightfully deserves." Shannon Clancy ’19, PhD Pre-candidate at University of Michigan, NSF Graduate Research Fellow
This is the inaugural year for this award; Dr. Diane Lee served as Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and is now, in her retirement, serving as the Director of the Wisdom Institute at UMBC.