Richard Mitchell, a lecturer in mathematics at UC Santa Cruz, has received an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Phi Beta Kappa Northern California Association.
Mitchell has taught in the Mathematics Department at UC Santa Cruz since 1988. He received the Ron Ruby Award for Teaching Excellence from the Division of Physical & Biological Sciences in 2010.
Mitchell is widely praised by his students, who have described him as "brilliant and beloved" (Nina McCurdy) and "the most, creative, talented, and personable professor I've had" (Alexander Faulk). A typical review on RateMyProfessors.com reads: "Richard Mitchell is the stuff. This guy is vibrant, funny, and (above all) enthusiastic about math. While it is not at all an easy class, it is enjoyable, and I strongly suggest trying to get him for Vector Calculus."
The Phi Beta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award honors those who have been outstanding teachers and mentors in the opinion of members of the PBK Northern California Association. The annual awards recognize up to five outstanding teachers who are faculty members at one of the eight Northern California universities and colleges that have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. Each awardee receives a certificate, invitation to the Awards Dinner on Sunday, May 5, at the UC Berkeley Faculty Club, and a $500 honorarium.
