Congratulations to the 2024-25 Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award Recipients
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 from the Academic Senate are David de la Peña and Kathy Stuart, and from the Academic Federation is Eleftheria Arapoglou.
David de la Peña
David de la Peña is an associate professor and director of the Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design program in the Department of Human Ecology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. His work focuses on participatory urbanism, exploring both how communities create meaningful cultural landscapes and also how professionals can create design processes that best engage with those communities.
De la Peña’s outstanding contributions exemplify UC Davis’ core values of global engagement and its commitment to fostering global learning. He has made a significant impact through his innovative teaching, serving on the program review committee for the Global Learning Hub and his commitment to engaging students through the Housing and Urbanism in Barcelona study abroad program. His ability to lead students through fieldwork and theoretical study ensures that their global learning experiences are enriching and impactful.
De la Peña’s nominators shared that his “creative and thoughtful teaching methods, deep expertise in the city of Barcelona, and passion for design” have created transformative opportunities for students to experience the intersection of urban design and community.
Kathy Stuart
Kathy Stuart is an associate professor in the History Department in the College of Letters and Science. She specializes in early modern German history and researches the history of crime and deviance. She is passionate about global learning and loves to guide students through their experience abroad, especially if it is their first time leaving the country.
Stuart has made significant contributions to global education through her design and leadership of the Vienna: Crossroads of Central Europe Summer Abroad Program. This program offers students an immersive experience in Vienna, where they explore historical landmarks, engage with Holocaust memorial initiatives, and work alongside local organizations like the Stones of Remembrance Foundation. Her innovative teaching style empowers students to engage deeply with history while enhancing their intercultural competencies. Through her dedication to teaching and mentorship, she has inspired students to expand their intellectual boundaries and pursue careers informed by a global perspective.
Stuart’s nominators shared that she “carefully designed and flawlessly orchestrated a program that maximized the experience of living abroad, combining intellectual rigor with cultural exploration.”
Eleftheria Arapoglou
Eleftheria Arapoglou, Ph.D. is a continuing lecturer in the Department of American Studies in the College of Letters and Science. She brings expertise in global education, innovative pedagogy, and the fostering of intercultural competencies, empowering students to engage with complex global issues through critical thinking and collaboration.
Arapoglou has demonstrated exceptional leadership in global education at UC Davis, particularly for her significant role in serving on the committee that revised the Global Studies minor and co-leading the creation of the new Global Thinking course. Through her leadership and committee work, she has also influenced the direction of global education at UC Davis, enriching students' educational experience across disciplines and fostering cross-cultural dialogue that aligns with the university’s mission of advancing global engagement. Arapoglou’s colleagues and students praise her engaging teaching style and ability to build strong student connections.
Arapoglou’s nominators shared, “Professor Arapoglou finds the perfect balance of encouraging students to engage with their interests while also challenging them to expand their horizons.”