OSUIT Instructor Amy Reynolds Earns OSU Regents Distinguished Teaching Award

OSUIT Instructor Amy Reynolds Earns OSU Regents Distinguished Teaching Award

Monday, March 9, 2026

Media Contact: Hicham Raache | Communications Coordinator | 918-293-4678 | [email protected]

OSUIT Communications instructor Amy Reynolds won the prestigious OSU Regents Distinguished Teaching Award for the 2025-2026 academic year.

"I am tremendously humbled to get this award. OSUIT has high quality educators every place you look on campus, so I'm honored that someone went out of their way to even nominate me. And I'm so grateful for my students, colleagues and deans who carved out time to write my letters of recommendation for me," Reynolds said.

Dr. Heather Ortiz, assistant vice president for academic affairs and executive dean, nominated Reynolds for the award.

"Amy Reynolds is a dedicated and passionate communications instructor who brings enthusiasm and authenticity to every class she teaches. Her deep love for her craft is reflected in her ability to connect with students on both an academic and personal level," Ortiz wrote in her nomination of Reynolds.

An educator is qualified to receive the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award if they have "evidenced unusually significant and meritorious achievement in the instruction of students (graduate and/or undergraduate) for a significant period of years," according to the criteria listed for the award.

Ortiz wrote that Reynolds creates an inclusive and supportive learning environment that allows students to feel seen and appreciated.

"Even through difficult challenges this past academic year, she remained steadfast in her commitment to excellence and continued to inspire students by modeling resilience, compassion, and professional integrity. Her enthusiasm for teaching, coupled with her genuine care for student growth, enriches the entire learning experience," Ortiz said.

Reynolds has been an educator for more than 30 years and has taught at OSUIT for nine years.

"Teaching has been such an integral part of my life since 1990, and I continue to be so grateful that one of the loves of my life intersects with how I make money as a career," Reynolds said. "Getting this award is yet another affirmation that teaching has been one of the biggest blessings of my life, personally and professionally."

Reynolds described communication as the foundation for all learning.

She teaches a wide range of courses, including speech, composition, technical writing and a resume and cover letter unit. She said college graduates need strong communication skills to land a good job.

"The percentage is consistently around 80 percent of employers - regardless of the field - put communication skills as their top quality for new employees. Very few jobs will have absolutely no communication whatsoever - whether that be oral or written or most likely a combination of the two," Reynolds said. "People who can read, write, speak and listen effectively will have a big advantage in the workplace over those who don't have those skills, and that advantage could very well mean a bigger paycheck or more opportunity for advancement in the workplace."

Communication courses increase a person's confidence, which opens doors for amazing personal and professional accomplishments, according to Reynolds.

Culinary arts student Bradley George said in a letter recommending Reynolds for the award that Reynolds helped him gain confidence, find his voice and become a leader.

"Mrs. Reynolds has a unique ability to interweave lessons about self and understanding while guiding us to find our voices as writers," George said. "The best example of this was an assignment where we analyzed a closed mindset vs an open mindset. I learned that life is not about the hand you're dealt and what you think you're capable of but instead about what you can be through learning and acquiring skills."

Tammy Williams, a communications department faculty member, also wrote a letter in support of Reynolds' nomination for the award. Williams praised Reynolds' passion for teaching.

"She exemplifies excellence in instruction through her thoughtful curriculum design, engaging teaching methods, and commitment to fostering critical thinking and communication skills among her students," Williams said. "Her lessons are well-structured, intellectually rigorous and designed to meet students where they are - challenging them to grow as writers and communicators."

Sara Bailey is a high school junior who is taking concurrent classes at OSUIT. She is a student of Reynolds'. She said Reynolds is making a meaningful difference in her life.

"I'm the youngest student in the room. That can feel overwhelming at times, but Mrs. Reynolds has always made me feel seen and included. She never lets me fade into the background. Instead, she pushes me to speak up, challenges me to do my best, and reminds me that I belong and have earned the right to be where I am," Bailey said. "Her steadfast encouragement has made me more confident not only in my academic abilities but also in myself as a person who strives to be the best I can be."

Reynolds said she adheres to the idea that teachers teach people, not subjects.

"It's the people who come in and out of my classroom every semester that gives me my why - my reason for doing this job. Communication is all about connecting to other human beings, and I try to really see who my students are so I can make those connections," she said. "If I can help my students feel more confident to face future communication tasks while giving them the practical tools to do so, I think I have done my job."