With intramural sports and other activities, the Recreation and Wellness Center has been filled with plenty of sounds through the years. 然而, now that Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium is being repaired due to damage caused by the April tornado, the RAWC is being filled with new sounds coming from large student gatherings, 比如教堂服务.
During the fall 2023 convocation chapel service held in the RAWC, 学生们的掌声, staff and fellow faculty actually spoke volumes as Dr. 托尼·耶茨 received the Distinguished Teaching Award, and Dr. 莉达·穆里略，威尔伯 was honored with the Promising Teacher Award. It was a testament to those who tirelessly and unselfishly invest in the future shapers on Bison Hill.
OBU has long been a beacon of excellence in education. As we navigate the corridors of this esteemed institution, we encounter two exceptional educators who have left an indelible mark on the university’s academic landscape. 耶茨 and 威尔伯 embody the university’s commitment to excellence in education.
Dr. 托尼·耶茨: Nurturing Scientific Minds
耶茨, OBU科学教授, stands as a paragon of dedication to education and scientific exploration. His journey at OBU spans over five years, during which he has consistently demonstrated qualities that align with the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching.
耶茨’ educational journey is a testament to his passion for science. He holds a range of degrees, from an A.A. 获得生物学博士学位.D. 科学教育. His extensive academic background equips him to teach courses that delve into the intricacies of the biological world, 包括人体解剖学, 人体生理学与微生物学.
课堂之外, his commitment to advancing science education extends to his research endeavors. He has been at the forefront of investigating misconceptions about biological evolution among high school students. 他与Dr. 埃德蒙一个. Marek, retired director of the John W. Renner Science Education Center in the OU College of Education, have shed light on these misconceptions, highlighting the significance of science education in dispelling misunderstandings and fostering critical thinking.
耶茨 is not content with merely educating students at OBU; he actively shares his insights as a guest speaker at the University of Oklahoma, where he emphasizes research strategies and methodologies. His dedication and hard work were recognized when he received the University’s Provost’s Ph.D. Dissertation Prize for his work on students’ acquisition of biological evolution-related misconceptions.
His commitment to the field of science education is further evident in his active involvement in professional circles, including memberships in the National Association for Health Advisors, the National Association of Biology Teachers, 以及俄克拉荷马州科学院. 耶茨 is not just an educator but also a tireless advocate for the advancement of science education, inspiring future generations of scientists.
Dr. 莉达·穆里略，威尔伯: A Beacon of Promise
威尔伯, OBU西班牙语副教授, has had a remarkable journey to receiving the Promising Teacher Award, a reflection of her dedication to teaching.
As a native of Panama, 威尔伯’s multicultural background enriches her approach to teaching 西班牙语. She is the youngest of four siblings, born to retired Oklahoma Baptist missionaries, instilling in her a deep sense of faith and purpose in her educational endeavors.
威尔伯’s academic journey is marked by an impressive array of degrees, 包括市场营销, 西班牙语, 西班牙语研究, 和教育领导. 她的教育.D. from the University of Oklahoma delved into fostering self-efficacy for self-regulated learning in urban schools, highlighting her commitment to improving education in diverse settings.
在加入OBU社区之前, 威尔伯 dedicated 24 years to public education, with 12 of those years spent teaching 西班牙语. 她广泛学习西班牙语, 无论是国内还是国际, have led her to guide student groups through Spain, 摩洛哥和法国, as well as engage in mission trips to Mexico, 泰国, 委内瑞拉和秘鲁. Her passion for language and culture shines through as she nurtures a love for learning among her students.
威尔伯’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Her commitment to OBU’s mission is evident in her positive presence on campus. She has high expectations for her students but always pairs these expectations with a caring heart, embodying the values of faith integration and mentorship that OBU holds dear. Students describe her as challenging, 鼓舞人心和善良, and they appreciate her genuine care for their success in both academics and life.
威尔伯, who recently led an OBU honors trip to Ecuador, is not only a dedicated educator but also a wonderful colleague who brings joy to those around her. She exemplifies OBU’s commitment to forging lifelong relationships and preparing students
for a life enriched by knowledge and faith.
耶茨 and 威尔伯 are excellent examples in the classroom and across the campus of OBU’s call to “Live all of Life, 一切为了耶稣.”