Solutions Through Higher Education

NAU-Yuma biologist is Teacher of the Year

Yuma Sun
Jan. 24, 2010

Northern Arizona University Yuma selected Tim Whittier, biology and environmental science teacher, as its 2010 Teacher of the Year.

Since 1995 NAU-Yuma as been honoring the most outstanding instructor among the 100 full- and part-time faculty.

Whittier obtained very positive feedback, noted Alex Steenstra, chair of the business and administration department as well as selection committee member.

"Dr. Whittier had superior evaluations, both student and faculty nominations spoke highly of him. His enthusiasm for what he teaches is evident and his commitment to the learning process ensures students are engaged in classroom and not just sitting there."

Not only does Whittier engage students in class but leads them on frequent field trips to do hands-on experiments, collecting data and planting native trees along the Colorado River, Steenstra said.

"He makes his courses rigorous so his student are well prepared once they graduate."

Whittier said he was excited and honored when he heard he was named Teacher of the Year.

"Actually, it was humbling. There's a lot of good teachers at NAU who were equally deserving, if not more so."

His mission as a teacher is to conduct his class with a student-centered approach, he noted. His intention is to help contribute to a curriculum within the science department where all students have an opportunity to succeed and not just those in his classes, he said.

Larry Gould, campus executive officer, said Whittier was instrumental in achieving two phenomenal things. First, he applied for and obtained a $1.2 million STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mechanical) grant from the National Science Foundation that is shared equally by NAU-Yuma and Arizona Western College.

"That means 25 students over the next five years will get free tuition in biology or environmental science."

The other major milestone was that Whittier was instrumental in getting the recently opened James Carruthers Research and Education Building online, Gould said. And also because of Whittier's effort, many students are referred for internships, and acceptance to medical and veterinarian school, he added.

Whittier pointed out there were a number of students already recruited into the STEM program who considered dropping out.

"Many students wouldn't be in college now if it wasn't for the amount of funds this scholarship provides. We did a survey on campus and we found that two-thirds of the science students are actually supporting extended family members.

"These 20-year-old kids are often the breadwinners for the entire family and if not for STEM, they'd lose out on the chance to develop a science career."

Community partners that accept students as interns include the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Society, the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, U.S. Customs, and Arizona Game and Fish.

Before teaching at NAU, Whittier taught at AWC for six years. He said both schools provide excellent science education.

He added that it is incredible how hard-working and capable students at both schools are while their partnership has benefited the science departments of both. And a number of students get job offers before they even graduate.

"Seeing the growth and maturity of students as they finish is very satisfying. I certainly love teaching and hope to continue a long time."