The Louis D. Beaumont Dad’s Association Distinguished Professor Award has been presented to a full-time faculty member each year since 1968. Nominations are received from students, and a small group of invited students then choose from among those nominated who should receive the award for the year for displaying a dedication to quality teaching. This award is incredibly meaningful to faculty because it is given by students.
This week The Woods Today continues its series on WWU professors nominated for this year’s Beaumont award with Assistant Professor of Spanish, Hannah Bolados, Ph.D. Dr. Bolados loves the WWU community and has been teaching here for 4 years.
Dr. Bolados has always been fascinated by language and their cultures. Her passion was fully ignited once she started traveling and spending time abroad.
“My study of language and culture has given me a new vision of life,” she said. “I am honored that I get to guide students in their own journeys.”
Her favorite class to teach is Advanced Conversation because the dialog always ends up being interesting and her favorite memories are when students are able to share a language victory that happens outside of the classroom.
“Whether that is being able to kindly greet someone in Spanish or hearing reflections of time spent abroad, these connections are transformative in the language-learning process.”
Being a smaller university gives William Woods the unique opportunity to allow students and faculty to work more closely with each other. One of the ways this can happen is through the Mentor-Mentee program, where a student and professor work closely together. Dr. Bolados recently was able to complete a Mentor-Mentee project with two Spanish minors on Spanish language resources for the equine industry.
“One of the many benefits of our institution is truly being able to practice a student-centered mission,” she said. “I have worked directly with students to coordinate study and internship abroad, create interdisciplinary curriculum, and conduct research.”
Learn more about Dr. Bolados as she answers the following questions:
How many years have you been teaching at The Woods?:
4 years
Interesting fact not many people know about you:
¡Me encanta correr! I love to run! I have competed in races ranging from the 100-meter dash to the Chicago Marathon, and have more recently taken up trail running. Running is what keeps me sane.
Favorite memory from working at The Woods:
My favorite memories are when students share about a language victory that happens outside of class. Whether that is being able to kindly greet someone in Spanish or hearing reflections of time spent abroad, these connections are transformative in the language-learning process.
What has been your favorite class to teach and why?:
I really enjoy Advanced Conversation because we always end up having interesting dialog. This course is a fast-track to building confidence in speaking.
Best advice to new college students:
Get involved, use a planner, and take advantage of university resources!
Best or most memorable moment you had with a student:
One of the many benefits of our institution is truly being able to practice a student-centered mission. I have worked directly with students to coordinate study and internships abroad, create interdisciplinary curriculum, and conduct research. I recently worked with two Spanish minors for a Mentor-Mentee project on Spanish language resources for the equine industry. I learned so much from them!
What drew you to what you now teach?:
I have always been fascinated by language and other cultures, but it wasn’t until I started traveling and spending time abroad that my passion fully ignited. My study of language and culture has given me a new vision of life, and I am honored that I get to guide students in their own journeys.
What stood/stands out to you about The Woods?:
¡La gente! The people! I love the WWU community.