TAMIU Faculty Member Dr. Kazen Gets National Excellence in Teaching Award

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) University College assistant professional Dr. Hayley Kazen has been named the recipient of the 2020 Excellence in Teaching First-Year Seminars Award from The National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience. 

Award recipients must have achieved great success in teaching first-year seminars and continue to inspire student learning, development, and success.  The Award selection is determined by a  national panel composed of members and former members of the National Advisory Board of the National Resource Center, past Excellence in Teaching award recipients, and other leaders in American higher education.  Only one Award-winner is selected from among nationwide applicants.

TAMIU dean of  University College, Dr. Barbara Hong, shared some of Dr. Kazen’s accomplishments which helped her earn the Award. 

“At TAMIU’s University College, Dr. Kazen plans and teaches several sections of freshman seminars. She has created curriculum using interactive technology to enhance learning via podcasts, supplemental educational programs including Cultural Awareness Day, Café Prof, and the Globally Connected Classroom, online courses and has earned  Quality Matters certification in addition to creating signature assignment to assess core curriculum learning objectives. We are tremendously proud of her and the impact she has on the lives of our students,”  Dr. Hong said.

Kazen is passionate about her work at TAMIU and outlined what she thinks is crucial for students to be successful. 

“The tools necessary for success in an educational setting go beyond study skills. For students to be successful, they must learn critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork. Learning should be a cooperative experience and a  shared responsibility among students and between the teacher and the students. I always encourage our faculty to  make an effort to get to know each of their students and  the difficulties they may have that prevent them from learning so that they may better prepare them for success,” Kazen explained.

As part of her national prize, Kazen will be provided complimentary registration to the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, receive a plaque at the Conference and recognition on the  Center's web page, listservs and social media channels.

The mission of TAMIU’s University College is to empower students to become competent, resilient, and self-determined life-long learners. Utilizing collaborative academic and support programs, its faculty and staff aim to enhance the skills of every student through personal empowerment paths that foster a learning community, critical thinking, and global citizenship. TAMIU students are equipped with a growth mindset, a meaningful purpose, and a sense of belonging as they navigate  their education and “Go Beyond” at TAMIU.

Located at the University of South Carolina, The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition serves as a trusted expert, internationally recognized leader, and clearinghouse for scholarship, policy, and best practice for all postsecondary student transitions. Find out more at https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/national_resource_center/index.php 

For additional information on TAMIU’s University College and its programs for students, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/uc/index.shtml, call 956.326.2134 or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 416.