College Presents 'Master Teacher,' 'Excellence in Teaching' Awards

The Master Teacher Award, the highest level of recognition given to a Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty member, was presented Saturday to Jeffrey B. Weaver, assistant professor of electronics in the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies at the college.

Weaver received the award during commencement ceremonies at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. The college also presented Excellence in Teaching Awards to Diana L. Kuhns, assistant professor of mathematics, and Jo Ann Stephens, associate professor of civil engineering technology.

The Master Teacher is chosen each year from faculty nominees having at least six years' experience at the college. The Master Teacher must demonstrate dedication to providing the highest quality educational experience for students.

Excellence in Teaching Awards are presented each May to full-time faculty members who have been nominated by their students and colleagues for excellence in instructional performance.

Weaver began his employment with Penn College in 1987 as an instructor of electronics; he was promoted to assistant professor in 1995. He received Excellence in Teaching Awards from the college in 1993 and 2000.

Previously, Weaver was employed in the electronics industry for 11 years. He received a bachelor's degree in management of technology from Lock Haven University and an associate degree in engineering technology from The Pennsylvania State University.

Student-nominator comments for Weaver include: "He is eager to help his students achieve the very best they can. He is dedicated to his job and, more importantly, dedicated to the success of his students." "Jeff is there for us, and he makes it clear that he will do everything in his power to help us succeed for the future." "Have never had a class where he didn't have something planned for us to learn and accomplish."

Kuhns began her employment with the college in 1976 as a laboratory supervisor for the developmental studies program at the Penn College forerunner Williamsport Area Community College. She has also served the college as a professional tutor for English and mathematics, an instructor of certificate and developmental mathematics, coordinator of tutoring, acting director of developmental studies, assistant director of integrated studies, division director of integrated studies, acting assistant dean for integrated studies and acting dean for integrated studies.

Before coming to Penn College, Kuhns worked as a high-school substitute teacher and a copywriter. She received a master's degree from Bloomsburg University and a bachelor's degree from Penn State.

Student-nominator comments about Kuhns include: "I have now taken four mathematics courses here at the college and she is, in my opinion, the best math teacher I have had here at the college." "She is considerate and does everything to try and help her students." "She is always willing to meet with students outside of class, whether it be during office hours or outside of office hours." "She is a well-rounded person who cares deeply for her students' success in the class."

Stephens began her employment with the college in 1998 as an associate professor of civil engineering technology.

Previously, she worked at Penn State as director and an instructor in the engineering design and graphics division, and as an instructor at Community College of Allegheny County. She also worked as an engineer in private industry and with the Army Corps of Engineers. She holds a Ph.D. in instructional systems from Penn State and a master's degree in civil engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University. She received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Maine.

Student-nominator comments for Stephens include: "Dr. Stephens is always prepared for class. Her lectures are well-thought-out, she is well-versed in the subjects she has taught me, the material is pertinent to what you need to know." "Her excitement for the subject matter is passed on to us through her teaching methods." "She is easily the nicest teacher I've ever had, at any education level, and I truly feel that she is one of the very best teachers here at Penn College."

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