Faculty recognized for efforts in experiential learning, teaching, research
Indiana University Kokomo faculty members were recognized for creative activity, teaching, research, and experiential and active learning during the annual spring convocation.
Andrew McFarland, professor of history, received the Distinguished Research and Creative Activity Award. J.R. Pico, teaching professor in Spanish and humanities; and Andy Tuholski, assistant professor of political science, received the Claude Rich Excellence in Teaching Award, the highest honor given for teaching at IU Kokomo. Tuholski also received the experiential and active learning award. Mary Kennelly received the adjunct faculty excellence in teaching award.
McFarland is a historian of modern Spanish and European history, with research focused on the development of physical education, sport, and soccer in early 20th century Spain. The award selection committee chose him for his publications in the field of sports history, including his book, Regeneration through Sport Football, Sport, and Cultural Modernization in Spain, 1890-1920. He previously received the senior faculty research award in 2023.
Pico, who is also director of the Latinos Unidos Hispanic Center, was commended for integrating cultural diversity, travel, and community service into his curriculum, and for his leadership role in retention, education, and mentoring of students. The effectiveness and impact of his teaching was evidenced in strong and consistent student evaluations and peer reviews. The committee also mentioned his recent George W. Pinnell Award for Outstanding Service, and his Chancellor’s Excellence Diversity Award.
The selection committee noted the effectiveness of Tuholski’s teaching, as well as his leadership as director of the Office of Sustainability, was evident from the numerous teaching awards and grants he’s recently earned, including the Trustees Teaching Award, an Audubon in Action grant, the FACET Innovate Award, the resident faculty Amicus Award, the Duke Energy Foundation grant, and the Undergraduate Research Program award, along with strong and consistent student evaluations and peer reviews.
He was applauded for incorporating simulation-based leaning into his classes to create an atmosphere of growth and teamwork, while also using service-learning projects to contribute to the community.
Tuholski also earned the experiential and active learning award, with the committee citing his activity Hail to the Chief: Executive Decision-Making Through Experiential Learning in a class focused on the American presidency. It was noted as innovative because of the amount of hands-on and critical thinking tasks included.
Kennelly was commended for course development and effectiveness of teaching in public speaking and principles of composition classes, as well as a clear commitment to pedagogical innovation, as evidenced by involvement in Mind Over Chatter: Skills for Navigating the Post-Truth Era curriculum.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.