Excellence in the Classroom: Dr. Sarajane Hill

Dr. Sarajane Hill, an engineering professor at Robert Morris University, has been honored with the President’s Distinguished Teaching Award for her exceptional dedication to student success and pedagogical innovation. A cornerstone of the engineering department, Dr. Hill maintains a rigorous teaching schedule, often leading nine or more courses across the fall and spring semesters. Her work is crucial to the engineering core curriculum, ensuring that students build a strong foundational knowledge from the very start of their academic careers.

Dr. Hill is recognized not just for the volume of her work, but for the clarity and engagement she brings to complex subjects. By utilizing real-world case studies and hands-on projects, she transforms difficult engineering theories into accessible, practical lessons. Her classroom is known for its positive and inclusive climate, where she emphasizes the "soft skills" of the profession. She teaches students how to present their ideas, listen to colleagues, and collaborate effectively on group projects.

Ultimately, Dr. Hill received this award because her commitment to engineering education goes beyond the syllabus. Her innovative teaching methods inspire students to think critically and have served as a launching pad for many successful career paths in the engineering field.