Jaime Dávila Selected as Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences Recipient of 2024 College Outstanding Teaching Award

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The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (MCICS) has announced that Jaime Dávila, senior lecturer, has been selected as the MCICS recipient of the 2024 College Outstanding Teaching Award (COTA), which recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring individual faculty members at each of the university’s colleges for their instructional accomplishments.

Administered jointly by the Center for Teaching and Learning and the individual colleges, COTAs are presented annually during the spring semester with each awardee receiving a $1,000 prize and a commemorative plaque. Candidates for the 2024 award were selected based on faculty nominations and student feedback.

“I've been fortunate to teach COMPSCI 220 Programming Methodology alongside Professor Dávila,” says Marius Minea, senior lecturer and computer science undergraduate program director, who nominated Dávila. “He designs the presentation of the material to make the essence accessible, using relevant examples from practice and often anecdotes from personal experience to make the content approachable and engaging. Professor Dávila is constantly preoccupied with improving teaching, both his own and that in the college overall.” 

The MCICS awards committee notes Dávila was recognized for his teaching effectiveness, creativity and approachability, which were demonstrated by numerous glowing comments from students across multiple courses and years. 

“I’m honored by the award, especially working around so many great educators,” Dávila says. “The award will prompt me to continue giving my very best effort every day towards students’ learning. Prompted by the comments students offered, I wonder which students I might not be reaching in the same way just yet, and how I can do so. I'm also thoughtful about the role I have among colleagues in terms of organizing the educational work we do as a college.”  

Dávila adds, “There aren’t tons of Puerto Ricans in computer science in the United States, but I’m one. We’re here, and we’re making important, positive contributions. That brings a smile to my face.” Dávila said. “The same goes for many other underrepresented identities—it’s important to see that all those identities are here in our discipline.” 

The full announcement of the MCICS COTA is available here. For more information about the COTAs and a list of previous recipients, visit the Center for Teaching and Learning grants and awards website.