Reid Miller Excellence in Teaching Awards

The Reid Miller awards are designed to commemorate Miller’s long and distinguished career in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture both as a faculty member and as its dean. The awards are designed to recognize two faculty members who emulate Miller’s strong commitment to the quality of teaching in the college.

Award/Honor

Two VCEA faculty will receive a certification, an honorarium, and funds to support a project related to the quality of teaching.

Nomination Guidelines

  • The objective is to honor one tenured or tenure-track faculty member and one career-track faculty member that models Miller’s dedication to excellence in teaching.
  • Previous winners of this award may not be nominated during the two years following their last receipt of the award. Faculty who have won the award previously and are nominated again will be judged on their record during the period between their previous award and the current year’s nomination.
  • The required elements of the nomination package are:
  • One nomination letter that includes a brief introductory statement, followed by recent (last 5 years) data or other evidence to support claims, including student evaluation summaries.
  • Letters of support from both students and faculty.
  • A full curriculum vitae for the nominee.

Selection Criteria

  • Knowledge of the Subject: demonstrates capability, skill, and insight in their area of specialization and has relevant publications.
  • Effectiveness of Teaching and Relevance of Material: outstanding achievement and presentation of the material in class. Stimulates and inspires students through teaching.
  • Organization and Presentation of Material: outstanding presentation of lectures and handout materials.
  • Use of Appropriate Teaching Methods: uses pertinent and helpful examples to enhance the subject matter in class. Uses up-to-date and innovative methods.
  • Self-Improvement: improves instructional techniques incorporating a mix of lectures, discussion, and activity. Uses course evaluations to improve teaching.
  • Other Interactions with Students: maintains a positive interaction with students. Is available for personal or professional student consultation, advises student chapters and/or clubs and participates in student’s activities.
  • Contributions to WSU Teaching Programs: gets involved in the creation of new courses or revision of existing courses and/or curriculum. Utilizes new techniques or technology.
  • Contributions to the Teaching Profession: has outstanding teaching article publications, teaching seminars or other professional presentations. Contribution toward advancement of the teaching profession.

Deadline

All nominations should be submitted in Qualtrics on or before Friday, March 13, 2026, by 5:00 pm (PST).

Previous Award Recipients

YearNameSchool/Department
2025Venera Arnaoudova (Tenure-Track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2025Ananth Jillepalli (Career-Track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2024Sasha McLarty (Tenure Track)Civil and Environmental Engineering
2024Jacob Murray (Career Track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2023John Schneider (Tenure Track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2023Ben McCamish (Career Track)Engineering and Computer Science
2022Assefaw Gebremedhin (tenure track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2022Xianglong Wang (non-tenure track)Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering
2021John Swensen (tenure/tenure track)Mechanical and Materials Engineering
2021Gordon Taub (career track)Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Everett
2020KC Wang (tenure/tenure track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2020David Pollock (non-tenure track)Civil and Environmental Engineering
2019Anita Vasavada (tenure/tenure track)Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering
2019Sakire Arslan-Ay (non-tenure track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2018Jana Doppa (tenure/tenure track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2018Renee Petersen (non-tenure track)Civil and Environmental Engineering
2017Steven Saunders (tenure/tenure track)Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering
2017Jason Peschel (non-tenure track)Construction Management
2016Ali Mehrizi-Sani (tenure/tenure track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2016Xiaopeng Bi (non-tenure track)Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Everett
2015Robert (Bob) Richards (tenure/tenure track)Mechanical and Materials Engineering
2015Timothy Hanshaw (non-tenure track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2014John Schneider (tenure/tenure track)Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2014Karl Olsen (non-tenure track)Civil and Environmental Engineering
2013Nehal Abu-LailChemical Engineering
2012Jitesh PanchalMechanical and Materials Engineering
2011Jennifer AdamCivil and Environmental Engineering
2010Andrew S. O’FallonElectrical Engineering and Computer Science
2009Kenneth CarperArchitecture and Construction Management
2008David PollockCivil and Environmental Engineering
2007David LinBioengineering
2006Russ WestphalMechanical and Materials Engineering
2005Reid MillerChemical Engineering
2004David BahrMechanical and Materials Engineering
2003William CoferCivil and Environmental Engineering
2002Donald a. BenderCivil and Environmental Engineering
2001Rollin HotchkissCivil and Environmental Engineering
2000Clint ColeElectrical Engineering and Computer Science
1999O.A. (Gus) PlumbMechanical and Materials Engineering
1998Kenneth FridleyCivil and Environmental Engineering
1997Balasingam MuhunthanCivil and Environmental Engineering
1996Clayton CroweMechanical and Materials Engineering
1995Shira BroschatElectrical and Computer Engineering
1994Grant NortonMechanical and Materials Engineering
1993Charles PezeshkiMechanical and Materials Engineering
1992Richard J. WattsCivil and Environmental Engineering
1991Thomas BurtonMechanical and Materials Engineering
1990John F. OrsbornCivil and Environmental Engineering
1989David R. YongeCivil and Environmental Engineering
1988Glen HowerElectrical and Computer Engineering
1987Stephen O. NelsonMaterials Science and Engineering
1986David M. ScottArchitecture
1985Clayton T. CroweMechanical Engineering
1985Kenneth L. CarperArchitecture
1984Servet A DuranMaterials Science and Engineering

Questions?

If you have questions about the award criteria and nomination process, please contact: