2020 Howard A. White Award For Teaching Excellence Winners

This year’s Howard A. White Awards for Teaching Excellence of 2020 have been announced. This annual award honors the legacy of Pepperdine’s fifth president, Dr. Howard A. White, who was a gifted teacher and scholar of history and a faithful steward of the University throughout his thirty years of service to Pepperdine.

The Howard A. White Award is the highest distinction given at Pepperdine for teaching and recognizes outstanding educators who embody the institution’s commitment to excellence. This award highlights the work of teachers who inspire and challenge students to think critically and creatively as well as those who instill in their students a lifetime love of learning.

This year, we have a total of 8 faculty members who are being awarded this great honor. Two of the faculty members are from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Dr. Anat Cohen, and Dr. Jennifer Miyake-Trapp.

Dr. Anat Cohen is a Senior Clinical Faculty Director with the Psychology Division at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

A student nomination for Dr. Cohen said:

"I have yet to come across an educator with a greater impact on and heartfelt concern for her students' personal and professional growth. When you are on Dr. Cohen's team you are cared for, you are nurtured, you are bolstered."

Dr. Jennifer Miyake-Trapp is an Assistant Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

One student nomination for Dr. Miyake-Trapp said:

"Dr. Jennifer Miyake-Trapp's tagline, 'Teach Fiercely' embodies exactly who she is – a fierce teacher who is passionate about education, language, and cultural equality as well as building communities of inclusivity. She strives to prepare her students to tackle the field of language education."

Congratulations Dr. Cohen and Dr. Miyake-Trapp for all the amazing work you do for our students!

This year, in lieu of an in-person awards ceremony, Provost Rick Marrs will host a virtual roundtable featuring the awardees to discuss their teaching philosophies and how they continue to support students during this, particularly challenging year. This event is scheduled for October 28, 2020, at 4 PM.