In recognition of his excellence in teaching and his commitment to the principles of equity, decolonization, and inclusion, the University of British Columbia is pleased to announce that professor William (Will) Valley has been awarded a West Coast Teaching Excellence Award for 2024.
“It’s an honour to be recognized for my work, but even more so, an honour to be able to support my students on their journey through exploring the principles of EDI,” says Dr. Valley.
An associate professor of teaching in applied biology, Dr Valley is also the Associate Dean of Equity, Decolonization, and Inclusion in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC.
“This is challenging work and often it can be emotional, but it is necessary to create a more just and equitable society, and produce future leaders who embrace social justice as a fundamental part of natural sciences and food systems education,” continues Dr. Valley.
The West Coast Teaching Excellence Awards were established by the British Columbia Teaching and Learning Council, a community of public post-secondary leaders with a mission that includes enhancing high quality teaching and learning cultures in British Columbia.
“We are thrilled for Will,” says Dr. Rickey Yada, UBC’s Dean of Land and Food Systems. “He has created an incredibly unique program and exceptional coursework that impacts both his students and the community-at-large.”