New Mexico State University (NMSU) recognized exceptional achievements on Aug. 15 by presenting several awards during its fall 2023 convocation at Atkinson Recital Hall for remarkable contributions to teaching excellence, according to a press release. This event brought together nearly 200 faculty and staff members on the Las Cruces campus to honor a select group of colleagues, comprising six faculty members from various parts of the NMSU system.
The initial pair of teaching accolades were granted to Susana Ibarra Johnson and Gain Park, recipients of the Patricia Christmore Awards for Teaching Excellence. These awards, bearing the name of Patricia Christmore, a former department head, recognize junior tenure-track faculty members who exhibit teaching excellence through their inclusive, research-driven approach. Subsequently, the Donald C. Roush Awards for Teaching Excellence were bestowed upon Paola Bandini, David LoConto and Kim Lopez Gallagher, underscoring their remarkable contributions in the field of education. Betsy Stringam received the last distinction, the Westhafer Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors efforts that promote social mobility and student success, according to the release.
“I particularly want to say how much we appreciate those who are being recognized today,” said NMSU interim President Jay Gogue. “I salute new faculty, those who have been promoted, and those who will be honored today for teaching awards.”
Johnson, an assistant professor specializing in bilingual/TESOL education, dedicates her career to enhancing bilingual students’ education through biliteracy and translanguaging pedagogy research. Park, an assistant professor of journalism and media studies, imparts courses in public relations and strategic communication. Bandini, Wells-Hatch professor of civil engineering, excels in geotechnical engineering instruction and leadership within the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics. LoConto, a sociology professor, explores social movements and identity within "Star Trek," encapsulated in his 2020 book. Gallagher, a professor at NMSU Alamogordo, teaches government, U.S. history and philosophy courses, while Stringam, a professor in NMSU’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, imparts extensive knowledge in hotels and resorts, alongside prolific research and publication endeavors.
