Every year, Trinity Western University recognizes two individuals for significant contributions to teaching and learning at the University.
2023 Davis Distinguished Teaching Award
The Davis Distinguished Teaching Award is conferred upon an undergraduate faculty member who has demonstrated a high level of excellence in the craft of teaching and has made a significant contribution to the pedagogical life of the University.
Trinity Western University is pleased to announce that the 2023 Davis Distinguished Teaching Award recipient is Dr. Shane Durbach, Associate Professor of Chemistry.
Remarks from Dr. Durbach’s nomination submissions describe how he successfully "finds a way to teach difficult material to students in an engaging and understandable manner” and “encourages deeper thinking and learning.” Other students comment that Dr. Durbach “makes everyone feel welcome,” and that he is known for being “a model of Christ’s servant heart.” His teaching has made a significant and positive difference, with one student expressing that Dr. Durbach “has made the biggest impact in my university experience.”
Congratulations, Dr. Shane Durbach!
Learn more about Dr. Shane Durbach's research:How to turn carbon nanomaterials into sustainable fuel sources, TWU's Dr. Shane Durbach researches
2023 Provost Innovative Teaching Award
The Provost Innovative Teaching Award for innovation in teaching recognizes scholarly experimentation and innovation and celebrates a faculty member who is researching and adapting new methods to improve student learning.
Trinity Western University is pleased to announce that the 2023 Provost Innovative Teaching Award recipient is Dr. Matthew Etherington, Professor of Education.
Students and colleagues affirm that Dr. Etherington has a “unique pedagogy that captivates students.” He is known for “teach[ing] ground-breaking classes such as Outdoor Education,” and for “intentionally focus[ing] on First Peoples Principles of Learning.” One student writes that Dr. Etherington “shapes future leaders with unique lessons that spark creativity.”
Congratulations, Dr. Matthew Etherington!
Learn more about Dr. Matthew Etherington's research:Dr. Matthew Etherington teaches ways to foster a healthy relationship between people and the planet
The winners of the 2023 Davis Distinguished Teaching Award and the 2023 Provost Innovative Teaching Award were announced and celebrated at TWU’s Spring graduation ceremony on April 29, part of Spring Graduation weekend events
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.