Kristine Williams, an Assistant in Instruction in the Department of Biology, was the recipient of an Institutional Faculty/Staff of the Month award for April 2025. This award, offered through University Housing and Dining for exceptional service, was presented to Williams for being an outstanding educator for teaching the course, Human Biology: Health Professions (BIOL:1141), in the Spring 2025 semester. 

Williams was nominated for the award by one of her students who wrote this on the nomination form, “Kris Williams is an outstanding educator whose dedication to her students’ success is evident in every lecture, office hour, and interaction. Her teaching style is not only student-centered but also incredibly approachable and encouraging, which has made a significant impact on my academic experience and motivation.” The student went on to say, “Kris Williams manages to create a learning environment that feels personal and inclusive. She presents complex material in a clear, student-friendly way, pausing often to check for understanding, encourage questions, and provide additional examples. Her lectures are full of practice problems, helpful analogies, and guided notes that give every student the opportunity to stay engaged and succeed.”

“What truly sets Kris Williams apart is her remarkable ability to support and motivate each student, regardless of class size. She knows many of her students by name – including me – which is especially impressive in such a large class and speaks volumes about her care and commitment. Her office hours are some of the most welcoming and productive I’ve experienced at the university. She greets every student with a smile, uses whiteboards to break down challenging topics step-by-step, and patiently answers questions – often staying longer than required to ensure everyone leaves with clarity.”

“She demonstrates daily how much she values her students – not just as learners, but as individuals with goals, challenges, and potential. Her encouragement has kept me motivated during busy, high-stress weeks, and her willingness to go the extra mile reminds me that great educators don’t just teach material – they inspire growth. For these reasons and so many more, Kris Williams deserves recognition for the outstanding support, motivation, and recognition she provides to her students.”

Congratulations Kris!