The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as a tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit students.
Cara Chang
Cara Chang is an associate professor of English at Leeward Community College, where she teaches both developmental and college-level writing. Her classes focus on the writing and research process, critical thinking, and multiliteracies, with an emphasis on creating a culturally responsive space grounded in aloha for Hawaiʻi.
Through service learning and Hawaiʻi-based approaches, she encourages students to explore issues of sustainability and identity while feeling supported and connected to their communities.
Outside the classroom, Chang is an active campus leader. She serves as Faculty Senate chair, Writing Intensive Board chair and Sustainability-Designation co-chair, where she works to uphold strong academic standards and support student success. She helped develop the college’s strategic plan and continues to support its implementation.
Students often describe her classes as both challenging and supportive. One called her teaching “transformative,” noting how it reshaped their thinking about identity and responsibility. Chang credits her students, mentors and colleagues for helping her grow as an educator.
Leslie Crow-Kincaid
Leslie Crow-Kincaid is an assistant professor of general business and hospitality in the business and cybersecurity division at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu. Crow-Kincaid’s approach to teaching and learning is built on the formula: Content + Context = Meaning.
Her classes utilize publisher content such as textbooks, online resources, videos, news and current events. Information is then applied to a business or personal scenario in which students can apply the material, encouraging them to become critical thinkers and gain meaning through the learning and discovery process.
The 糖心视频 West Oʻahu Teaching Awards Committee noted that students commend Crow-Kincaid for being an outstanding communicator and highly approachable instructor. Her peer feedback highlights her coherent course organization, clear presentation of key concepts, and skillful use of problem-based learning.
Committee members added, “Her lively teaching style, which incorporates humor, helps sustain student interest and active participation, underscoring a strong commitment to impactful teaching.”
Teri T. M. Evangelista
Teri Evangelista is an associate professor of mathematics at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. She is recognized for her exceptional ability to make mathematics accessible, engaging, and relevant for her students. Known for her patience and compassion, she consistently goes above and beyond to help students overcome their anxieties and build confidence in their abilities.
Evangelista creates a positive, energetic learning environment where students feel supported, even through personal hardships. She is praised for her skill in translating complex mathematical concepts into understandable lessons.
One student said, “My professor was amazing! She was so excited about math and said that she hoped to change our view on the subject and get us as students to love it. I can honestly say that she has changed my view of math. I had a bad experience with math in high school and just did not care for it. After taking this class it showed me that I just needed the right teacher. I really impressed myself because I actually understand math and found that I CAN DO IT!!! Thank you to my professor!! She is definitely in the right profession.”
Charlene S. Gima
Charlene S. Gima is an assistant professor of English at Honolulu Community College, who is noted for her commitment to student success and holistic well-being. She is exceptionally effective in online instruction, providing stimulating content through organized modules and virtual discussions.
Gima has expanded the curriculum by developing specialized courses such as “Okinawan Literature” and “Manga as Literature.” Her dedication is reflected in her high accessibility; she treats every student as a “whole person” and provides personalized mentorship.
One student nominator said, “Professor Gima’s dedication, clear instruction, and genuine personal support have significantly strengthened my writing skills… and boosted my confidence as a learner.”
The student also said that Gima “delivers content in ways that are both accessible and intellectually stimulating,” helping students thrive personally and professionally. Ultimately, Gima balances compassion with high academic standards to support her students in becoming the best possible versions of themselves.
Kekoa Harman
Kekoa Harman is an associate professor in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Ka Haka ʻUla O 碍别ʻ别濒颈办ō濒补苍颈 College of Hawaiian Language. For Harman, teaching ʻō濒别濒辞 Hawaiʻi is far more than language instruction—it is the continuation of a living culture.
A co-founding kumu hula (hula teacher) of 贬ā濒补耻 I Ka Leo Ola O 狈ā Mamo and a scholar of the hula traditions of Joseph ʻ?濒ā濒āʻ辞濒别, he brings mele (songs), oli (chants) and hula into his classrooms as primary texts, teaching students that ʻō濒别濒辞 and hula are inseparable threads of Hawaiian identity.
His students describe daily routines that steady them, prompt and thoughtful feedback, and weekly study groups where Harman shows up—sweet treats in hand. He takes learning beyond Haleʻō濒别濒辞 through community ceremonies, cultural protocol training, and 丑ō?颈办别 (showcase) hula productions, and serves the broader community as president of the youth nonprofit No 狈ā ʻ?pio.
“He is a teacher that cares deeply about his students and has a passion for teaching rooted in the continuation of culture,” wrote nominator Sophie French. In every class, Harman embodies the spirit of aloha and the philosophy of Kumu Honua Mauli Ola (an educational philosophy statement prepared by a group of Hawaiian-speaking educators).
Pele Kaio
Pele Kaio is an assistant professor of Hawaiian lifestyles at Hawaiʻi Community College. He is an educator, cultural practitioner and community leader dedicated to advancing Indigenous knowledge systems and leadership.
Kaio serves as kumu hula (hula teacher) of Unulau, a 丑ā濒补耻 based in Hilo and Waimea, where he guides 丑补耻尘ā苍补 (students) in ʻaihaʻa (volcanic style) traditions that foster ?ike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge), environmental stewardship and leadership. He is also president and founder of the 笔ā濒补尘补 Foundation, supporting Native Hawaiian communities through education and cultural initiatives.
“He focuses on moving the spirit, and in doing so, he transformed ours,” said a student.
Kaio also serves as a resource teacher at Kanu O Ka ʻ?ina Public Charter School and teaches at the 碍ō Education Center in Honokaʻa, advancing community-based, place-centered learning.
A student said, “He concurrently weaves accountability into our moral compass, kindling awareness of our relationships with each other, with our environment, and with the world.”
Cheehyung Harrison Kim
Cheehyung Harrison Kim is an associate professor of history in the College of Arts, Languages and Letters at 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补. His teaching is shaped by a transnational perspective and a commitment to dialogue, empathy and student growth. His classrooms use discussion-driven inquiry to explore global histories, including topics such as North Korea, while encouraging students to question assumptions and reflect on lived experiences of power and constraint.
Guided by a philosophy of “equate, empathize and empower,” he fosters environments where students engage history as both an intellectual and personal practice. Kim emphasizes critical thinking, open expression and the connection between past and present. He also prioritizes creativity and research, supporting students in developing original projects that often lead to competitive awards and further study.
Through close mentorship, Kim helps students connect academic inquiry to careers in law, education, public policy and other fields.
“This class taught me how to quickly and effectively process the main argument and most important supporting pieces of evidence in history studies, a skill that I have already applied to my reviews of historiography across a variety of subjects,” said a student. “This training I will not only remember, but will constantly apply to my own work moving forward.”
Ryan J. Koo
Ryan Koo is a professor of history at Windward Community College, who is recognized for his engaging teaching, commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to both campus and community. His courses encourage students to critically examine the past while drawing connections to contemporary issues, fostering thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding.
Students describe his classroom as one that promotes reflection and genuine connection, noting that “He gave us the space to be vulnerable and honest, turning a history lesson into a moment of genuine connection that I don’t think any of us will forget.”
Beyond the classroom, Koo serves as coordinator of Hawaiʻi History Day, supporting students and teachers statewide in developing research projects grounded in primary and secondary sources. He also advises the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, helping lead service initiatives that connect academic learning with civic engagement.
His teaching empowers students to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to the communities they serve.
Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg said, “Professor Koo exemplifies Windward Community College’s commitment to teaching that expands opportunity and strengthens our Koʻolau community.”
Mark Ombrello
Mark Ombrello is an assistant professor of history at Kauaʻi Community College. His teaching emphasizes a student-centered approach, incorporating low-pressure assessments designed to support meaningful learning.
Recognizing the evolving challenges of teaching and evaluating students in the age of AI, Ombrello has reexamined the importance of soft skills in education. He emphasizes that “maintaining mindfulness of our behavior—acting with kindness, respect, and patience—makes all the difference in building and sustaining healthy relationships that foster rewarding and sustainable learning environments.”
As an asynchronous instructor, his student evaluations are consistently excellent across all categories.
Deeply engaged with both the college and the broader island community, Ombrello has made numerous valuable contributions to Kauaʻi CC and the University of Hawaiʻi system. He previously served as faculty senate vice chair and currently holds the position of chair. In addition, he continues to lead the district History Day fair and has served as a board member for the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities since 2021.
Sandra, a student, said, “Instructor Ombrello does more than just share facts; he teaches us how to think freely, how to question, and how to learn from the past to understand our present.”
Miyoko Pettit-Toledo
Miyoko T. Pettit-Toledo is an assistant professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law at 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补. Her teaching is defined by rigor, empathy and innovation.
Drawing on experience as a judicial clerk, practicing attorney and nonprofit leader, she brings civil procedure to life by combining doctrinal mastery with practical lawyering skills and critical inquiry. Her teaching challenges students to examine how legal systems function and whom they serve.
She is known for transforming the first-year civil procedure course into an engaging, collaborative experience through creative approaches such as student “law firms,” interactive simulations, and a “Procedure in Practice” writing lab.
A student said, “I love Professor Pettit-Toledo! I think she’s an amazing professor who cares deeply about her students. I’ve come a long way since the first day of law school, and I owe a considerable amount of my growth to her. She’s pushed me since the start and not just with civil procedure but in becoming a more confident, meticulous student.”
Pettit-Toledo is deeply committed to student success, mentoring with care and intentionality while maintaining high academic standards. By cultivating trust and community in the classroom, she empowers students to grow into thoughtful, justice-minded legal professionals.
Subhashni Raj
Subhashni Raj is an assistant professor in urban and regional planning in the College of Social Sciences at 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补. Her teaching is rooted in inquiry-based, student-centered learning and a commitment to equity and place-based practice.
Drawing on her STEM background and experience as an international scholar, she designs multi-modal courses that integrate systems thinking, experiential learning and transdisciplinary approaches to real-world planning challenges. Her pedagogy emphasizes scaffolded skill-building, critical reflection and collaboration. Through spatial labs, community-engaged projects and structured debates, she equips students with technical skills while encouraging critical analysis of power, justice and policy.
She is recognized for inclusive classrooms that center Indigenous knowledge, decolonize planning education and connect students to Hawaiʻi‘s communities. Beyond the classroom, Raj mentors students in research and professional development, supporting pathways into planning and public service careers.
“Dr. Raj was probably the best, most understanding, educated, well spoken, and considerate professor I’ve ever had. She communicated so well and taught very clearly,” said a student. “She also was so reasonable with all her deadlines, requests and lectures. She even gave us breaks, which were so appreciated, and allowed us to focus better on the material.”
Eirik Saethre
Eirik Saethre is a professor of anthropology in the College of Social Sciences at 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补. He creates discussion-driven classrooms described by students as both intellectually rigorous and deeply human.
His teaching engages students with anthropological theory through conversation, storytelling and original research, connecting abstract ideas to lived experience. Drawing on global ethnographic research, he grounds learning in real-world contexts and student inquiry.
A hallmark of his pedagogy is “ungrading,” which emphasizes reflection, intellectual risk-taking and growth over traditional assessment, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Grounded in decolonial, relational and care-centered approaches, Saethre fosters inclusive spaces where students engage topics such as health, sexuality, inequality and identity with curiosity and empathy. His courses encourage students to think with anthropology rather than only about it, shaping how they understand the world.
“Every part of this course was valuable. Dr. Saethre is the first professor to help me understand theory and how I can actually use it in a valuable way,” said a student. “The course materials chosen by Dr. Saethre complemented each other perfectly, made every concept easy to digest, and challenged me in ways I have not been challenged before in a theory course.”
Amy Shiroma
Amy Shiroma is an assistant professor in the Hospitality and Tourism Education Department (HOST) at Kapiʻolani Community College. She is recognized for her student-centered teaching, industry expertise and dedication to student success.
Drawing from her professional experience in Hawaiʻi‘s hotel industry, she connects classroom learning with real-world application through hands-on projects, role-playing exercises and industry-based instruction. Students describe her as patient, approachable and deeply invested in helping them grow both academically and professionally.
“Amy always extended time out of class to help out the students who may be concerned with the lesson or help students excel in the challenges they may have faced with the material,” a student said. “She was always an individual who wanted her students to strive, even if that meant extending her efforts outside of class.”
Another student added, “Amy is truly passionate about the hospitality industry and showing her students how hospitality changes the world for the better. She is someone who goes above and beyond for her students.”
Tamara Ticktin
Tamara Ticktin is professor of botany in the School of Life Sciences at 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补. Her teaching blends scientific rigor with creativity, collaboration and place-based learning. She reimagines the classroom as an active learning environment centered on inquiry, dialogue and hands-on experience.
Her courses integrate field-based learning, community partnerships and student-driven problem solving, enabling students to apply concepts in real-world conservation contexts. Drawing on global research and long-term work in Hawaiʻi, she connects students with diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous and local perspectives, while encouraging reflection on ethics, equity and environmental responsibility.
She is known for fostering inclusive learning spaces where students are encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions and learn collaboratively. Through this approach, Ticktin cultivates both strong scientific understanding and a sense of purpose in addressing complex ecological and social challenges.
A student said, “She is a kind and wonderful teacher who makes me think about the class and the materials I am learning, she helps me feel passionate about the issues we are discussing, and makes me feel engaged with the material and see its applicability into real life.”
Kara Wong Ramsey
Kara Wong Ramsey is an associate professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. A kanaka ʻō颈飞颈 (Native Hawaiian) physician and neonatologist, she conducts her courses grounded in kuleana (responsibility), service and experiential learning.
In the neonatal intensive care unit, she teaches learners across all levels of medical training while also advancing public health education through outreach, including nationally recognized social media initiatives. Guided by ma ka hana ka ?ike (through doing, one learns), she emphasizes hands-on, patient-centered education that builds clinical skills, critical thinking and resilience.
As a leader in simulation-based education, Wong Ramsey creates collaborative environments where trainees develop confidence in high-stakes decision making. Known for her compassionate mentorship, she fosters trust, curiosity and professional growth.
As pediatric clerkship director, she has developed award-winning curricula and contributed to accreditation, faculty development and nationally recognized innovations in medical education. Wong Ramsey’s work prepares future physicians to deliver culturally grounded, high-quality care.
“Best preceptor ever! Amazing teacher and provided various learning opportunities from reviewing write-ups/topics in peds to seeing patients in the NICU,” said a student. “She created a safe learning environment and encouraged critical thinking of clinical data. I would be honored to become the type of MD Dr. Wong Ramsey is.”