Trainor wins the Robert Piacenza Excellence in Teaching Award

The UAF Honors College has named Tom Trainor, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, as the 2024 Robert Piacenza Excellence in Teaching Award winner.

This award recognizes a UAF faculty member who has a significant impact on the academic advancement of students at the ��ķ��Ƶ. This instructor not only demonstrates instructional expertise, but sets a standard for other educators on campus, advocates on behalf of students and exemplifies the Honors College's core values of connection, experience and service.

Student nominations for Trainor included the following statements:

“Dr. Trainor makes chemistry fun and interactive, and he takes the time to ensure we understand the concepts and mechanisms we are working with.”

“After taking chemistry with Dr. Trainor, I can confidently say I have a strong understanding of the subject, and my friends and I have always had a positive experience in his classroom.”

“He aims to bring a positive attitude, an open mind, and has high expectations for his students. After all, he cares about their success.”

Congratulations to Tom Trainor and to all of the faculty nominees this year! Thank you to Leila Shubair, Honors Student Advisory Council president, and Alexander Hirsch, associate vice chancellor of student experience, for delivering warm remarks at the award ceremony on the importance of teaching. Thank you to Emily Lipscomb, Honors Student Advisory Council vice president and events committee chair, for coordinating the event.