KU News Release

KU’s outstanding graduate teaching assistants to receive awards April 29

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Office of Research and Graduate Studies will honor eight exceptional graduate teaching assistants with $5,750 in awards at a reception at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, in the Jayhawk Room at the Kansas Union.

KU students and representatives of departments and academic programs throughout the university nominated graduate students for the awards. A selection committee chose winners based on their dedication to teaching, departmental and student comments and level of responsibility.

Elisa Williams Bickers, doctoral student in music from Lawrence, and Theresa Clare Brown, a doctoral student in physical education from Overland Park, received $1,250 Carlin Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards. Diana Carlin, professor of communication studies, endowed the awards, which were first presented in 1993. Carlin is the former dean of the graduate school and international programs and recently returned to KU from an academic appointment in Washington, D.C.

Regan L. Postma, a doctoral student in Spanish from Holland, Mich., received a $750 Distinguished Service Award. Five students received $500 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Awards: Mary Asbury, doctoral student in communication studies from Lawrence; Lara Kuykendall, doctoral student in art history from Lawrence; Kiley Larson, master’s student in communication studies from Lawrence; Emily McCave, doctoral student in social welfare from Lawrence; and Kelly Berkson, master’s student in global indigenous nations studies and linguistics from Swanzey, N.H.

Award-winning teaching assistants are listed below by hometown, degree program, award and previous degrees earned.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66044
Lara S. Kuykendall, doctoral student in art history; Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award; bachelor’s from the University of Virginia. Kuykendall’s nominator said, “Only our very best GTAs get the opportunity to teach their own courses, and the fact that Lara has done so nine times testifies to our faculty’s high estimation of her teaching abilities.”

Emily Louise McCave, doctoral student in social welfare; Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award; master’s from Washington University; bachelor’s from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. A faculty supporter said, “I continue to be amazed at her ability to be successful in her doctoral studies and in her teaching, while also finding time to be involved in the life of this school and the profession.”

From Lawrence 66046
Kiley Ann Larson, master’s student in communication studies; Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award; master’s from KU; bachelor’s from KU. A student nominator said, “Kiley has made a huge impact on my college experience and my future career choices. She is a key role model for KU and the communication studies department.”

From Lawrence 66047
Mary Elizabeth Asbury, doctoral student in communication studies; Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award; master’s from the University of Tennessee; bachelor’s from the University of Georgia. Her adviser said, “Her students say she made a class they were nervous about enjoyable and worthwhile.”

From Lawrence 66049
Elisa Williams Bickers, doctoral student in music; Carlin Graduate Teaching Assistant Award; master’s and bachelor’s from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. A student nominator said, “Through her contagious zeal and her spectacular personality, Elisa has provided me with both a new skill and unique perspective on an instrument that was once completely foreign to me.”

JOHNSON COUNTY
Overland Park 66213
Theresa Clare Brown, doctoral student in physical education; Carlin Graduate Teaching Assistant Award; master’s from the University of Iowa; bachelor’s from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. A student said, “This instructor was always so positive and smiling that it put me in a good mood, too. I loved that!”

MICHIGAN
From Holland 49424
Regan L. Postma, doctoral student in Spanish; Distinguished Service Award; master’s from KU; bachelor’s from Hollins University in Roanoke, Va. Her adviser said, “Regan is the consummate professional. Her willingness to contribute unselfishly to the department and university makes her an ideal student and citizen.” She is the daughter of Carl and Debra Postma.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
From Swanzey 03446
Kelly Harper Berkson, master’s student in global indigenous nations studies and linguistics; Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award; bachelor’s from Vassar College. A student nominator said, “This teacher is the best instructor I’ve had since being at KU. She’s always willing to help me and she goes out of her way to ensure my success.”

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.