About the Award

The Distinguished Teaching Award was established in 1995 and recognizes a University of Washington Tacoma faculty member. Recipients are chosen based on a variety of criteria including reflective teaching practice, commitment to inclusive teaching and mentoring, dedication to creating transformative learning experiences, and service as a mentor, collaborator, and consultant. 

2024 Recipient

Emma Rose, PhD


Associate Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences 

Dr. Emma Rose is a technical communication scholar whose research and teaching is motivated by a commitment to social justice and designing for inclusion. Dr. Rose’s scholarly focus on human-centered design and inclusivity informs her student-centered approach to teaching. She co-creates rubrics with students and structures her assignments to encourage students to bring their interests, literacies, and expertise into her classes. In addition to designing courses, assignments, and activities that foster deep reflection and critical inquiry, Dr. Rose is a strong advocate for the transformative learning experience of undergraduate research. She has worked with students on over 25 projects including NSF-funded grants and community-engaged projects. Dr. Rose also serves as a mentor and peer observer for faculty colleagues.

2024-2025 Committee

  • Emma Rose, Associate Professor and Committee Chair, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
  • Nara Almeida, Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Engineering & Technology
  • Amanda Pirog, Business User and Experience Librarian, UW Tacoma Library 
  • S. Joseph Shin, Assistant Professor, Milgard School of Business 

Past Recipients

  • 2023 - Ellen Bayer, Associate Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
  • 2022 - Claudia Sellmaier, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work & Criminal Justice 
  • 2021 - Weichao Yuwen, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
  • 2020 - Tanya Grace Velasquez, Associate Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
  • 2019 - Anaid Yerena, Assistant Professor, Urban Studies 
  • 2018 – Danica Sterud Miller, Assistant Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
  • 2017 - Divya McMillin, Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
  • 2016 - Yan Bai, Associate Professor, Institute of Technology
  • 2015 - Ellen Moore, Lecturer, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
    • Video "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Teaching: Engagement, Advocacy, Activism, Critical Pedagogy (and Teachable Moments)"
  • 2014 - Donald Chinn, Associate Professor, Institute of Technology
    • ​​Video (Keating, Kingsfield, and Watson: Reflections on the Fiction and Reality of Teaching)
  • 2013 - Carolyn West, Associate Professor, IAS
  • 2012 - Christine Stevens, Associate Professor, Nursing
  • 2011 - Matthew Weinstein, Professor, Education
  • 2010 - Mark Pendras, Assistant Professor, Urban Studies
  • 2009 - Janice Laakso, Associate Professor, Social Work
  • 2008 - Richard Knuth, Assistant Professor, Education
  • 2007 - Kent Nelson, Senior Lecturer, Milgard School of Business
  • 2006 - Cheryl Greengrove, Associate Professor, IAS
  • 2005 - Mike Allen, Professor, IAS
  • 2004 - Beth Kalikoff, Assistant Professor, IAS
  • 2003 - Ruth Rea, Assistant Professor, Nursing
  • 2002 - John Peterson, Senior Lecturer, IAS
  • 2001 - Jose Rios, Assistant Professor, Education
  • 2000 - Julie Nicoletta, Associate Professor, IAS
  • 1999 - Linda McElvey, Assistant Professor, Business Administration
  • 1998 - June Lowenberg, Associate Professor, Nursing
  • 1997 - Janet Primomo, Associate Professor, Nursing
  • 1996 - Rob Crawford, Professor, IAS
  • 1995 - Mike Kalton, Professor, IAS