University of New Orleans presents Excellence in Teaching Awards

Paul Schilling, a professor of mechanical engineering, and Randy Bates, a professor of English, recently won 2014-15 Excellence in Teaching Awards given by the University of New Orleans International Alumni Association.

The association gives up to two awards per year to faculty members who exhibit excellence in their roles. A selection committee comprised of past award recipients and association representatives chooses the winners.

Schilling, a teacher at the university for 16 years, loves to explain complex problems clear and concisely. This way, students have ample time to ask questions in class.

“Given the difficulty of the courses he teaches and the grade distributions — which show he is not an ‘easy grader,’ the outstanding teacher evaluation scores Dr. Schilling receives are even more meaningful and impressive,” Edit Bourgeois, professor of electrical engineering, said.

Bates, also a 16-year university veteran, teaches in the College of Liberal Arts, primarily focusing on poetry and nonfiction literature courses.

“Professor Bates’ students speak time and again of his knowledge and mastery of literature; of his passion for what he teaches; of his supportive, nurturing character; of his guidance and inspiration, generously offered to each and every one of them; of his expert facilitation of writing workshops; and his invaluable mentoring,” Leslie White, associate professor of English, said.

The awards were presented at ceremony prior to the university’s fall commencement.