The University of Puget Sound is proud of its vibrant academic community, one that is deeply committed to rigorous scholarship, transformative teaching, and impactful service. Faculty were honored for their achievements for the 2024–25 academic year this fall. They were recognized for outstanding work in teaching, research, and service.
This year's awards celebrate an exceptional group of educators and scholars whose work not only elevates the intellectual life of Puget Sound but also makes a tangible difference in their fields and communities.
President’s Excellence in Teaching Award:
Established in 1997, the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional passion for teaching, the ability to inspire and challenge students, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to continual growth.
Wind Woods, associate professor of theatre arts
Woods was praised for blending creative and analytical approaches in the classroom and for encouraging students to examine the intersections of art, culture, and politics. Colleagues describe his courses as a “masterclass in responsive pedagogy,” and students highlight the sense of community and joy Woods cultivates. His artistic work provides space for exploring complex identities and demonstrates how art can challenge and disrupt.
Distinguished Professors:
The Distinguished Professor designation recognizes senior faculty members who demonstrate high achievement in teaching, scholarship, and service during the university’s five-year evaluation process.
Rob Hutchinson, professor of music
Hutchinson was recognized for his work as a composer, theorist, and teacher. Students praise his ability to demonstrate real-time analytical thinking in class, and colleagues note his extensive advising work for School of Music students. He also co-developed the university’s new Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in songwriting.
Lisa Johnson, professor of business and leadership
Johnson centers her teaching on community and active participation, arranging all her classes in a circle to encourage discussion. She is recognized for building strong relationships with students, setting high academic standards, and making a transformational impact in the classroom. She has held major service roles across the university and received the ASUPS Outstanding Faculty Member Award in 2024.
Kena Fox-Dobbs, professor of environmental studies and sciences
Fox-Dobbs teaching emphasizes experiential learning, regional engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her research agenda includes peer-reviewed publications, many co-authored with students, and partnerships with local tribes, conservation organizations, and government agencies. She also serves as co-director of the Puget Sound Museum of Natural History.
Pierre Ly, professor of international political economy
Ly’s research focuses on the political economy of the Chinese fine wine industry and the global landscape of study abroad internship providers. His scholarship includes extensive fieldwork across several continents. He is known for his structured and supportive teaching style and for his long-standing commitment to academic advising and student mentorship.
Brendan Lanctot, professor of Hispanic studies
Lanctot is a specialist in 19th-century Latin American cultural production, publishing in both English and Spanish. His courses emphasize creative engagement with cultural texts, including film and multimedia projects. He serves as department chair and faculty athletics associate, and advises extensively within his department.
Walter Lowrie Sustained Service Award:
The Walter Lowrie Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions to faculty governance and university service.
Julie Christoph, professor emerita of English
Christoph was honored for her long-standing leadership in shared governance and her service to the academic community. She co-authored Sound Writing, an open-source, comprehensive writing handbook, while serving as the director of the Center for Writing and Learning.
Bartanen Research Awards:
The Bartanen Research Awards honor faculty whose scholarship strengthens the university’s academic mission. One senior and two junior faculty members received awards this year.
Senior Award: Erin Colbert-White, professor of psychology
Colbert-White’s research examines nonhuman animal cognition, including African Grey parrot speech patterns and canine–human social behavior. She has published peer-reviewed articles, presented nationally and authored the book Animal Cognition 101. Colleagues note her dedication to undergraduate research and her success in interdisciplinary collaboration.
Junior Award: Mare Hirsch, assistant professor of art and art history
Hirsch creates data-driven artwork exploring the relationship between form and information. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including a solo show at Kittredge Gallery, and she has been invited to present at Fermilab. Her scholarship bridges art, technology, and human-computer interaction.
Junior Award: Ronaldo Rolim, assistant professor of music
Rolim, a concert pianist, maintains an active international performance schedule and regularly integrates his artistic practice into his teaching. He has performed with orchestras in Poland and Brazil and led master classes across the United States, Italy, and Brazil. His regional collaborations strengthen community partnerships and enhance student learning.
Davis Teaching Awards:
The Thomas A. Davis Teaching Awards recognize exceptional teaching by instructors, assistant professors, and associate professors.
Ania Kapalczynski, associate professor of business and leadership
Kapalczynski is recognized for her rigorous, well-organized teaching and her commitment to helping students master complex financial concepts. Students highlight her passion for personal finance and her responsiveness to feedback.
Tina Huynh, associate professor of music
Huynh is known for experiential and culturally responsive teaching that encourages students to engage directly with music education in practice. She reimagined the university’s Music 100 course and introduced Music of the Vietnamese Diaspora, expanding the curriculum in meaningful ways.
Heather White, visiting assistant professor of gender and queer studies
White’s teaching emphasizes collaborative exploration of complex theoretical material. Colleagues and students describe their classes as welcoming, intellectually engaging, and grounded in trust and deep inquiry.
Holly Roberts, associate professor of physical therapy
Roberts creates an inclusive classroom environment where students feel supported in taking intellectual risks. She integrates social justice concepts into clinical training and is recognized for a teaching style that is both challenging and supportive.
