Loyal Hall receives 2026 Nickel Excellence in Teaching Award

Excellence in teaching is something that is more often seen than formally recognized. The Nickel Excellence in Teaching Award (NETA) is one way that Fresno Pacific University identifies such teachers of excellence.

This year, Professor Loyal Hall, Ph.D., received the award during FPU's spring commencement.

The award recognizes outstanding teaching among traditional undergraduate faculty. Recipients of the award are nominated by junior and senior traditional undergraduate students. The nominations are then reviewed by a committee to determine the winner.

The committee considers several qualities when selecting a recipient, including inspiring students to excel, demonstrating passionate about the subject matter and making a lasting effect on graduates. Excellent teaching is also marked by inclusive and student-centered teaching, effective integration of faith and learning, connecting learning to the FPU mission, effectively engaging students in learning and providing adequate organizational support for student learning.

About NETA

Named in honor of the Nickel family, the award has been presented annually to an FPU faculty member since 2004. The Nickels have longstanding ties to FPU. Ted W. Nickel came to FPU in 1986 as the dean of the graduate college and later served as a professor of psychology before retiring in 2003. His father, T.R. Nickel, helped recruit students to FPU in the early 1960s. Both men served on the FPU Board of Trustees. The awards acronym also honors Ted's mother, Neta.

Michael Hammond
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