Canterbury University geography lecturer Professor Eric Pawson has been recognised as one of New Zealand’s top tertiary teachers.
Professor Pawson (Geography) was one of 10 teachers awarded a Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award during a ceremony held at Parliament in July 2009.
The awards, administered by New Zealand's National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence Ako Aotearoa, recognise and encourage excellence in tertiary teaching. The award includes $20,000 in prize money to be used for career development and promote best practice.
Professor Pawson, who was last year awarded a Canterbury University Teaching Award, has taught geography at the University of Canterbury for more than 30 years. He teaches courses at all levels and has supervised over 50 masters and doctoral students.
In congratulating the award winners, Tertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley said "these teachers have gone over and above just ‘doing a job’ and have made it their mission to give their students the tools to achieve in education and other areas of their lives".
Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr said he was delighted for Professor Pawson.
"Since joining the University in 1976, Professor Pawson has made a significant contribution to higher education in geography that goes well beyond New Zealand."
