Photo by Pathik Shah

Mathematics instructor Virginia Leigh Hollyer views students as capable explorers, and herself as an experienced guide.

“We are on a journey to learn one area of mathematics, whether it’s ancient turf, like college algebra, or a newer region, like modern geometry,” she said.

Hollyer, who has been at UH for 31 years, embraces technology to keep students working and learning in an involved way. She records her lectures for most courses and posts them on Vnet, providing the students with an accurate scrapbook of each day’s material.

“I’m a guide, not the math goddess,” Hollyer said. “I also believe that my students have much to teach me. I love visiting with them by e-mail, during conference hours or after class. By listening to their thoughts about the material, I learn how to teach more effectively.”

For her efforts, Hollyer has received a 2007-2008 Teaching Excellence Award for instructor/clinical. The award is given in recognition of outstanding teaching by faculty instructors, clinical faculty, research faculty, artist affiliates and lecturers. The recipient is honored with a trophy and a $5,000 prize.


Richard BonninView full list of 2008 award recipients                          Past award recipients
Staff writer