Lecturer's passion and drive wins teaching award

Senior communication lecturer Elizabeth Gray has received the annual Richard Buchanan College of Business Teaching Excellence Award.

The judging panel was particularly impressed with Dr Gray’s continuous improvement philosophy in all aspects of her teaching.

They said the evidence presented in Dr Gray’s teaching portfolio highlighted her dedication to teaching and exhibits all the hallmarks of an excellent teacher.

She seeks feedback from both students and colleagues, reflects on this feedback and then implements informed changes into her teaching and learning environments.

The award is in remembrance of Professor Richard Buchanan, a long-serving and popular college faculty member who died suddenly in 2008. He began working at Massey University in 1986 where he was the first marketing lecturer.

Like him, Dr Gray says she is not afraid to try new teaching or learning strategies, she is passionate about her subject and drives her students to achieve their best.

“My work as a teacher is about helping students develop skills, understanding, and imagination concerning the power of words, in an economic, intellectual, and personal context,” she says.

Supporting her nomination for the award, one colleague said: “If you were ever to clone someone who embodies the qualities of an excellent teacher and colleague, choose Elizabeth Gray”.