Excellence in Teaching Awards

2006-2007 Award Winners

Mary Waugh-Taylor received her BFA from the University of Utah and has been an instructor in ballet, jazz and modern dance at UNO, the Jewish Community Center and the Omaha Modern Dance Collective, and is Choreographer-in-Residence for The Moving Company, UNO’s modern dance company.

In 2001, Mary and the Moving Company participated in the Dance Grand Prix in Cesana, Italy, where the Moving Company received a second place trophy at the international dance festival and marked the first time the student company performed outside the United States. She also brought her own company, Mary Waugh-Taylor Dancers, where her dancers received first place and she received a first-place award in choreography.

One student said about Mary, “She goes above and beyond instructing students during class time; she offers her free time to help those seriously interested in learning. Always encouraging, I believe many students, to which dance is quite foreign, now realize and recognize the athleticism and artistic value which dance holds. Besides her dedication in the classroom, she provides many opportunities for students and community members to experience the hard work and creativity which go into preparing a dance piece, allowing students to participate in pieces which she choreographs. Her unique contribution to the University is one of the things which makes UNO such a diverse place, and I believe she is well deserving of recognition for her continued devotion.”

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Lisa Schniepp received her B.S. in Athletic Training and in Exercise Science at Minnesota State University of Mankato in 1999 and her M.S. in Exercise Science from UNO in 2001. She has taught Prevention & Care of Athletic Injury and Fundamentals of Athletic Training. In addition to teaching Lisa is the coordinator for the First Aid classes. She is the liaison with the American Red Cross for current certification procedures. Lisa meets with First Aid instructors at the beginning of each semester to make sure they are aware of any changes.

In discussing her teaching philosophy Lisa says, “I believe in holding students responsible for their own education, they need to work in order to reach their goals. I believe in hands on teaching, and practical application to real life situations. I strive to make it fun and interesting, to give them a well balanced education, and to prepare them to be well rounded professionals in the workplace.”

One student said, “Lisa is a caring ACI ( Accredited Clinical Instructor). She will always make time to help you out with any problems in schooling or life. She has become a mentor and a close friend in the Athletic Training Facility.”

 

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