As a member of OUSA, Ontario Tech students nominate professors who have made a significant impact on their education. The winning professors are awarded the OUSA Award for Teaching Excellence, and are honoured at the Partners of Higher Education Dinner (PiHED). PiHED is an annual awards dinner where stakeholders converge from across Ontario’s post-secondary education sector, including Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities, Nolan Quinn.

This month, we are proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of two outstanding professors who embody the highest standards of teaching and mentorship at our institution. Dr. Ana Vakiloroayaei and Dr. Jordan Harel have been selected for their unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. Both professors go above and beyond to ensure their students not only succeed academically but also thrive personally, creating a classroom atmosphere where every student feels valued and encouraged. It is with great pleasure that we award Dr. Vakiloroayaei and Dr. Harel the Teaching Excellence Award, celebrating their dedication, passion, and lasting impact on the students they mentor.

Dr. Ana Vakiloroayaei

Dr. Vakiloroayaei is a truly exceptional professor who brings warmth, positivity, and unwavering support to her classroom. Students consistently praise her for being approachable, kind, and always willing to help with any questions or concerns. She has a unique ability to connect with each student, taking the time to learn their names and create an environment where everyone feels valued. Her caring nature extends beyond just teaching, ensuring students feel prepared and confident in their studies.

Dr. Vakiloroayaei’s positive energy is infectious, and her enthusiasm for teaching shines through in every lecture. Her students appreciate not only her professional and intelligent approach but also her encouragement and nurturing attitude. She explains complex concepts with clarity and patience, ensuring that all students have a strong grasp of the material. Dr. Vakiloroayaei is not only a fantastic teacher but also a mentor who offers valuable lifelong advice, fostering both academic and personal growth. Her impactful presence in the classroom inspires students to feel excited to attend her classes and motivates them to reach their full potential. Dr. Vakiloroayaei’s dedication to her students’ success, both academically and personally, makes her an invaluable mentor and a beloved professor, deserving of recognition for her outstanding contributions to education.

Dr. Jordan Harel

Dr. Jordan Harel received his PhD in Sociology from Western University, with his dissertation research focusing on white-collar crime. Dr. Jordan Harel is also the recipient of the 2015-2016 Faculty of Social Science and Humanities Teaching Excellence Award.

Dr. Harel is an outstanding professor who truly stands out for his genuine care and dedication to his students. His students appreciate his kindness and how approachable he is, creating an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help. Dr. Harel is understanding and aims to build a strong sense of trust and respect in the classroom.

His lectures are highly praised for being engaging and enjoyable. Students find his teaching style both captivating and easy to follow. He has a talent for breaking down complex topics in a way that makes them clear and accessible, and his analogies are often highlighted as a key part of what makes his lectures so effective. It’s clear that Dr. Harel puts in a lot of effort into crafting his lectures, ensuring that his students understand the material thoroughly while keeping things interesting.

Dr. Harel's passion for what he teaches is evident in every class, and this enthusiasm translates into a dynamic classroom experience. Students consistently mention how much they enjoy attending his classes and how much they learn from his teaching. His care, passion, and the real effort he puts into making sure his students grasp the material make him a truly remarkable professor.

The OTSU extends a heartfelt congratulations to both these deserved professors whose tireless dedication to supporting and enriching our fellow Ridgebacks’ education.