Michael Paulding, a information technology instructor, was awarded the 2014 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions in Vocational Education.
Paulding’s lesson plans are a mix of theory and hands-on assignments, encouraging students to reinforce classroom activity with personal application. He is known for his ability to explain complex programing concepts and for his willingness to go the extra mile to give every student the opportunity to succeed.
“Mr. Paulding’s dedication to students is probably his most distinctive trait,” said one of Paulding’s students. “He offers an extensive amount of his time outside of class to help students succeed and excel in their studies. He is the only professor who challenged and pushed me to reach higher summits while at the same time making the semester enjoyable.”
In addition to his work in the classroom, Paulding hosts online review sessions every Sunday to assist and prepare students to become Microsoft-certified professionals.
Paulding holds a postsecondary educational credential and an MS in information and computer sciences. He is expected to earn his PhD in education in the fall of 2014.
When not teaching and leading mentoring sessions, Paulding is active in ocean activities, including swimming, bodysufing and sailing.