Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award

Tiffany Heng-Moss, Ph.D., professor of entomology, UNL. Heng-Moss joined the university in 2001 and has since become what one of her nominators called “truly the epitome of a faculty member in a land-grant university.” She has developed an innovative teaching program that spans grade school, undergraduate, graduate and adult education; established a successful research program; and contributed to one of the university’s most effective distance education programs. Heng-Moss is committed to building personal relationships with her students and incorporating active learning into her courses, even in large lecture sessions. Heng-Moss has provided leadership in the development of interdisciplinary degree programs within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has developed an online version of her Insect Biology course that is available to high school students, among other teaching accomplishments. She is also involved in outreach education efforts to K-12 teachers and students.

Richard MacDonald, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the College of Medicine, UNMC. Despite having no formal educational training before taking his first faculty position at UNMC, MacDonald has emerged as one the leading teachers on campus. He has won UNMC’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year award three times, has developed new courses, and routinely receives high evaluations from his students for his dedication to helping them understand complex scientific topics. In fact, one student noted that the only complaint he had heard about MacDonald was that students wished he taught more sections. MacDonald is known for his thoughtfully prepared handouts and his willingness to be available for students whenever they need him. He even pays attention to small details: Recognizing that medical students commonly experience “lecture fatigue,” MacDonald encourages small exercise breaks during class to help keep students focused and engaged.