Dr. Rosemary M. Karr
U.S. Professor of the Year, 2007
Professor of Developmental Mathematics At Collin College since 1990

“When students develop a fluency in the language of mathematics, comprehension in the application and skill in the utilization of mathematical tools, they strengthen critical thinking skills necessary for success in today’s complex world. The opportunity to reach a diverse population of students and alleviate their fear of mathematics while bringing alive their desire to achieve is why I teach. Those who have chosen teaching as a profession understand when I say, ‘My head is in mathematics, while my heart is in teaching.’”

Brad Baker
U.S. Professor of the Year, 2000
Chair of Theatre At Collin College since 1992

“Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ As an educator, I encourage my students to take responsibility for their own learning and encourage creativity and imagination as part of the learning process. As an artist and a professor of theatre artists, I believe strongly that art and knowledge should benefit society/communities. Art should not be created in a vacuum, and art is not about the seeking of applause. Art must paradoxically observe and comment on society as it is, while informing and arming society for continual change. This is why I believe so strongly in civically-engaged learning.”

Jennifer O’Loughlin-Brooks
Texas Professor of the Year, 2006
Professor of Psychology At Collin College since 2002

“My educational philosophy involves representing a positive role model for my students, creating a nurturing classroom environment, enabling students to grow both in and out of the classroom and preparing students to face the challenges of life. My approach emphasizes the development of cognitive skills, such as critical thinking. As a science, psychology for me is not only a discipline– it is a way of approaching the world. Thus, it is best learned through experience, through tackling and unraveling real-world problems.”

Angela Putman
Paragon Award and Horizon Award for Phi Theta Kappa Advisers, 2007
Professor of Communications Studies At Collin College since 2004

“My teaching philosophy is basically to inspire my students to become lifelong learners both inside and outside the classroom. I believe learning doesn’t just happen when we’re in class ... for most of us it simply starts there. I want my students be become critical thinkers and to question what they see going on in the world. Then, I hope they’ll use that knowledge to find their own way to make a difference.”

Lupita Murillo Tinnen
National Young Adult Advisor of the Year,
League of United Latin American Citizens, 2007
Professor of Photography and Mexican- American Fine Art Appreciation At Collin College since 2005

“When teaching or working with students, I first and foremost treat each person as an individual. Just as I was taught to find my own voice, I strive to teach others to find theirs. Although my teaching objectives vary depending on the course, I use every opportunity to inspire and empower. Being a professor, I believe that one of my main duties is to serve as a role model. I try to be as encouraging as possible but also promote student responsibility and accountability.”

Donna White
Human Anatomy and Physiology Society President’s Award, 2007
Professor of Anatomy and Physiology At Collin College since 1999

“My goal is to educate and unlock potential in someone. I believe in creating an environment where my students are exposed to and given the opportunity to learn something new. Sometimes that ‘something new’ is to truly understand something they’ve ‘known’ for a long time...even themselves! I require that my students dig beneath the generalities that they have used to understand and explain concepts earlier in their education to get to the essential, fundamental, actual causes of the form and function of the human body. Not every student will be successful at mastering the content of the courses I teach. My hope is that every student will learn something about themselves that they will cultivate to create a happy, successful life -- one in which they continue to learn something new as often as possible!”