Hindhede joins Wendy L. Britt, professor of nursing; Kaiso Chuang, professor of mathematics; Robert Suor, professor of welding; and Clark Vangilder, professor of physics as the 2012 recipients.
“I feel honored to have received this award,” Hindhede said. “It is wonderful to be recognized with this award and is great motivation to keep doing my best. I feel privileged just to be able to teach. Receiving this honor makes me feel that much more appreciated.”
Winners are chosen based upon their willingness to further their own knowledge; engage and support students and student knowledge; use a variety of new concepts and teaching methods; and participate in the college’s community activities. Recipients must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate excellence in the teaching/learning process
- Be actively involved in student learning (inside and outside the classroom)
- Demonstrate use of a variety of teaching methods
- Actively and successfully integrate technology in the classroom
- Actively demonstrate innovation, which facilitates student learning
- Incorporate into the classroom the concept that students have different learning styles
- Be active in institutional, campus and division activities
“First and foremost, Karen is an excellent instructor,” Heather Moulton, who also is an English professor at CAC, stated. “I have spoken with some of her students who detail her passionate and compassionate learning approaches in the classroom and during office visits. They are able to apply the skills taught by her in other classes.”
Hindhede came to CAC two and a half years ago possessing 11 years of teaching experience. Prior to joining the college, she taught for five years at Black Hawk College in Moline, Ill.
At Central Arizona College, Hindhede teaches core English composition and numerous literature courses, including world literature and children’s literature for educators. In each of these classes she incorporates the college’s general education outcomes – specifically in the area of improving communication skills.
“Karen’s zest for composition and literature engages the students and encourages them to keep reading and writing beyond the college classroom,” Moulton explained.
After her arrival at CAC, Hindhede served the college’s Communications Division as its representative in the Faculty Senate before being elected as the Senate’s secretary in 2010. This led to her eventual appointment to the vice presidency of the Faculty Senate, a position she currently holds.
“I am proud to call Karen Hindhede my colleague and friend,” Moulton said. “She is an inspiration, along with being one of the most positive people I know.”
Hindhede received her bachelor’s degree in English from Augustana College (Ill.) before earning a master’s degree in English from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
