Congratulations to the 2023-24 Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award
The Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award recognizes the dedication of instructors who design and teach global learning programs and make global experiences accessible to UC Davis students.
2023-24 Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award
The Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award recognizes UC Davis instructors of the Academic Senate or Academic Federation who go above and beyond in designing and teaching UC Davis global learning programs. The recipients of this year’s award are Jonathan K London and Timothy J. McNeil.
Jonathan K London
Jonathan K London is a professor in the Department of Human Ecology/Community and Regional Development in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on the impacts of environmental hazards on disadvantaged communities and how these communities organize to address these challenges.
London is a passionate global educator and mentor deeply committed to creating diverse and equitable learning opportunities where communities are the center and focus and students are equal partners. Starting in 2017 and offered three times to date, London has co-developed and co-taught a Quarter Abroad program on Community, Technology and Sustainability in Nepal with Nancy Erbstein (School of Education and Global Affairs) and Hands-On Institute. This inspirational and innovative program focuses on international, intercultural, community-engaged learning and action research in collaboration with Nepali students and young professionals. UC Davis students work in interdisciplinary groups with Nepalese peers on applied research projects that use emerging technologies to focus on community development, health, agriculture and education.
His nominators shared that this award recognizes “his multifaceted role in exceptional innovation, design and implementation of an educational curriculum and binational immersion program that achieves all that the Global Learning initiative seeks for students (UC Davis and Nepalese students) education and growth, and for the pursuit of meaningful, functional global action.”
Timothy J. McNeil
Timothy McNeil is a professor in the Department of Design and Director/Chief Curator of the UC Davis Design Museum in the College of Letters and Science. He is the primary instructor for courses on exhibition design and environmental graphic design.
McNeil brings the world into his classroom. His teaching and projects encourage global perspectives and connections to the international museum and design communities. Guest speakers from around the world visit his courses remotely and in person. Lectures and discussions include global examples and emphasize international and cultural diversity.
For over 15 years, McNeil has expanded students’ global perspectives and experiences through his teaching of a Design in Europe study abroad course. As part of the course, students journey through England, Scotland and the Netherlands for an unparalleled insight into countries famous for their design tradition and innovation.
His nominators shared, "Tim McNeil impacted and transformed both my academic journey and professional career. As both his student and participant in his study abroad program, I've witnessed firsthand his dedication to global studies. Tim not only imparts knowledge but actively involves students in his global research, inspiring us towards meaningful career paths in the creative fields. His teachings challenge us to view design as a force that connects communities and shapes our shared world.”
- Read more about the 2023-24 Awardees