Oklahoma State University
11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 12:26
Abit recognized with 2024 Excellence in Teaching award
Abit recognized with 2024 Excellence in Teaching award
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | [email protected]
Dr. Sergio Abit, professor in the Oklahoma State University Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, is a regional recipient of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities' 2024 Excellence in College and University Teaching Award for Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Abit was honored during an awards ceremony at the Annual APLU Meeting on Nov. 10.
This national recognition is a partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture and APLU and is awarded to faculty members from public institutions in the U.S. who have shown excellence in agricultural sciences teaching and student engagement.
"Dr. Abit is a remarkable educator whose commitment to his students is truly inspiring," said Dr. Cynda Clary, associate dean of academic programs for the Ferguson College of Agriculture. "His impact goes beyond the classroom through internship and career mentoring, student organization advising and activities."
Abit said receiving this award not only recognizes his efforts but also acknowledges those who support him.
"Teaching in front of 250 students three times a week across multiple courses for more than a decade is a task that can only be successfully done with the solid backing from the department and college, the support of many teaching assistants and the inspiration from family," he said.
Abit's approach to teaching goes beyond delivering lessons. It is about creating meaningful learning experiences for students and the memories and friendships created in the process, he said.
"I do my best to foster a friendly sense of community in my classes because learning is easier when it is done with friends," Abit said. "I take advantage of every opportunity to teach at different places because when people learn together at certain places, they make learning memories and if I succeed at connecting lessons to lasting memories among friends in my classes, then I am successful at teaching students with lessons that last a lifetime."