We are proud to announce Dr. Ike de la Pena has been selected as a finalist for Loma Linda University's 2024 Kinzer-Rice award.
Out of 132 nominations for 86 individual faculty members from LLU's eight schools, Dr. de la Pena was one of only five finalists.
The purpose of the Kinzer-Rice award is to call attention to the importance of teaching in the life of Loma Linda University and to honor a full-time faculty member every two years who exemplifies the finest traditions of education.
To be considered for the award, a faculty member must provide effective educational presentations, actively seek to improve teaching effectiveness, pursue educational scholarship, encourage colleagues' and students’ teaching effectiveness, contribute to student long-range success, and integrate LLU's Mission-focused Learning (MFL) into teaching. We all know these qualities to be true of Dr. de la Pena and his teaching.
Regarding the award, Dr. de la Pena says, "It’s truly an honor to be one of the five finalists, especially on my first nomination. I’m deeply grateful to the students and faculty who provided letters of support for me. Looking ahead, I don’t anticipate any changes. I’ll continue to teach as I always have—with intention and a commitment to helping students learn effectively. Quoting Ellen White, I’ll continue to strive to prepare my students 'for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come."