2024/2025 Distinguished Faculty Award Recipients and Reception
Since 1964, Cal Poly Humboldt has celebrated exceptional faculty through the Distinguished Faculty Awards—a competitive, peer-nominated process. Nominations are reviewed by the University Senate’s Faculty Awards Committee, which recommends recipients to the Senate. Final approval and conferral of the awards are made by the university’s President.
The faculty award recipients will be formally presented award certificates at the University Senate reception on Tuesday, May 13 at 5:00 pm in the Great Hall. All faculty and staff are invited. Please RSVP using this link.
Please join your colleagues in celebrating this year’s distinguished faculty:
Scholar of the Year Award: Dr. Daniela Mineva, Professor of Music
Dr. Daniela Mineva, Professor of Music in the Department of Dance, Music & Theatre, is Cal Poly Humboldt’s 2024/2025 Scholar of the Year in recognition of her exceptional scholarly and creative achievements. An internationally renowned pianist, Dr. Mineva maintains an extraordinary performance schedule of 35–40 concerts annually across five continents and regularly collaborates with Grammy-winning composers. Her contributions include global master classes, adjudication at major competitions, and numerous recordings, all while remaining committed to her students and local community. Colleagues, collaborators, and students consistently praise her artistry, discipline, and impact, describing her as a “world-class” performer and educator whose work brings global recognition to Cal Poly Humboldt. Bravo, Dr. Minerva!
Outstanding Service Award: Dr. Dale Oliver, Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Dale Oliver, Professor of Mathematics and Interim Chair of the Department of Computer Science, is the recipient of Cal Poly Humboldt’s 2024/2025 Outstanding Service Award. Since joining the university in 1991, Dr. Oliver has demonstrated sustained, impactful service at the campus, state, and national levels. His contributions include mentoring K–12 teachers through 14 grant-funded programs, serving on prestigious education panels, and holding numerous leadership roles at Humboldt, including Dean, Department Chair, Ombuds, and committee leader. Known for his service leadership philosophy, Dr. Oliver is widely respected for his integrity, compassion, and focus on student and faculty success. Colleagues praise his calm, effective leadership and his lasting positive influence on educational communities. Congratulations, Dr. Oliver!
Excellence in Teaching Award, Tenure Line Faculty: Dr. Young Sub Kwon, Professor of Kinesiology
Dr. Kwon, Professor of Kinesiology in the School of Applied Health, is the recipient of the 2024/2025 Excellence in Teaching Award for Tenure Line Faculty in recognition of his exceptional dedication to equitable student success, inclusive pedagogy, and innovation in teaching. Widely praised for his accessibility, compassion, and ability to make complex material engaging and relatable, Dr. Kwon integrates cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality into his Exercise Physiology labs, creating immersive learning experiences that deepen student understanding. His research has shown the significant impact of virtual labs on student engagement and outcomes. He transforms both in-person and online environments into dynamic, student-centered spaces. Beyond the classroom, he is a valued mentor and collaborative leader. Congratulations, Dr. Kwon!
Latest PMC All Campus
- Jenkins Hall Temporary Gas Shutdown Friday, May 2Facilities Management is working with the contractor for the Jenkins Hall Project to schedule a temporary gas shutdown this Friday, May 2nd from 9AM-5PM. This shutdown will impact Science A, B, C, the Experimental Greenhouse, as well as the Brookins House. During this shutdown period, gas supply to these buildings, as well as fixtures and equipment within these buildings, will be suspended. Service will be restored as soon as the work is completed. You may contact the Facilities Customer Service Center at 707-826-4475 with questions or concerns.
- Engineering & Technology Building Project Construction UpdateBeginning Friday April 25, 2025 at 6:00PM continuing through Saturday April 26, 2025, at 1:00PM the construction fencing along 17th Street will be reconfigured to allow for a large concrete pour for the Engineering & Technology Building Project. During this period there will be no through access for any vehicles. Authorized vehicles that need to access the parking lot between the Forestry and Natural Resources buildings should plan to enter from the east at the Wildlife Lane intersection. Pedestrian access should remain unimpeded.
- Fee Waiver DeadlineAs a reminder, the Fee Waiver Program provides eligible Cal Poly Humboldt employees and their dependents the opportunity to attend classes at Cal Poly Humboldt, or any CSU campus, at reduced rates. The program is designed to assist employees in improving current skills or preparing for a new career at Humboldt. It is also a benefit designed to support dependents of Cal Poly Humboldt employees to begin, or continue, their education journey.
- Update: Fee Waiver DeadlineThis message has been updated with contact information.
- VSIP Deadline & Drop-in Office Hours (Zoom)As a reminder, there is one week left to apply for the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) with applications due on April 30, and we still have funding available for those who are interested in applying for the program. This program is intended to encourage eligible employees to voluntarily separate through a severance package on or before June 30, 2025.
- 39th Annual CSU Student Research CompetitionThis Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to host the 39th Annual CSU Student Research Competition, a celebration of the remarkable scholarly and creative accomplishments of our students. This dynamic event offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to present their research to the campus community and a panel of judges.