Photo by Pathik Shah

K.H. Wang, professor of civil engineering and recipient of a Teaching Excellence Award, knows that students need to be creative and adaptable if they’re going to make it in the professional world.

In their recommendation on his behalf, his colleagues called Wang, who consistently ranks as one of the top Cullen College of Engineering faculty members on student evaluations, “a true scholar who is able to translate his research contributions into examples in the classroom and in the laboratory to directly benefit student comprehension.”

Wang is known for having rigorous courses and encouraging students to question everything. Former student Moustapha Harb noted Wang’s versatility and diligence.

“It is my opinion that teaching philosophy alone cannot inspire a student to want to learn something, regardless of what that philosophy is,” Harb wrote in his recommendation. “It takes an instructor who not only has the knowledge, interest and passion for what it is that he or she is teaching, but also a passion for communicating and helping others understand the subject at hand.”

The award, which is restricted to tenured and tenure-track faculty members, includes a $5,000 check and a trophy.

Angela Hopp
Staff writer

View full list of 2009 award recipients                          Past award recipients