UW’s Siceloff Receives Hollon Family Award for Online Teaching Excellence

An assistant lecturer and doctor of veterinary medicine with the University of Wyoming’s Division of Kinesiology and Health is this year’s recipient of the Hollon Family Award for Online Teaching Excellence.

Alisa Siceloff, whose research focuses on the teaching and training of students in scientific disciplines foundational to community and public health -- including emergency management, epidemiology and foundations of public health -- was nominated for the award for her online delivery of courses including “Socio-cultural Aspects of Physical Activity”; “Exercise and Sport”; “Global Health in Modern Society”; and “Using Epidemiology to Build Healthier Communities.”

In 1986, C.E. “Jerry” Hollon, a former UW trustee, established the award to recognize “contributions to the general extension outreach programs of the university.”

While teaching entirely as a remote instructor may present challenges, Siceloff has not only set the bar for excellence, but she also continues to inspire students and expand in her support of other educational collaborations at UW.

Over the past three academic years, she has instructed 461 students across 21 asynchronous online courses. Her undergraduate classes consistently meet or exceed maximum enrollment, and her graduate classes boast robust participation. During this time, enrollment in her courses has increased by a remarkable 37 percent.

One of her nominators explains the breadth of Siceloff’s outreach in supporting teaching outside of the health sciences.

“Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Siceloff is a pivotal contributor to the ongoing development and delivery of our online graduate certificate in community and public health,” says Qin “Arthur” Zhu, director and professor in the Division of Kinesiology and Health, in the College of Health Sciences. “Her collaborative efforts extend beyond our division, as she actively engages with various colleges across campus, including a dual-listed course with the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources and a summer online course selected by the Honors College.”

Added to the scholarly accomplishments -- Siceloff continues to achieve with her teaching -- are her compassion and willingness to support students in their academic journey. Another nominator, Christi Boggs, the associate director of digital and inclusive teaching and learning with the Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning, relates her past working with Siceloff and how students come first.

“I have worked with Alisa a great deal since her move to online teaching, and every time I am impressed with her dedication to students, willingness to try new things and absolute focus on student learning,” Boggs says. “She is one of the most innovative faculty with whom I have had the privilege to work.”

Siceloff says she is honored to be the Hollon Family Award for Online Teaching Excellence recipient.

“I greatly appreciate the unwavering support of my supervisors and co-workers and especially appreciate the guidance and resources provided by the Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning,” she adds.

Siceloff received her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs and her Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.