As a senior instructor in the Landscape Architecture Department of the College of Architecture and Planning, Lori Cockerham describes herself as passionate about “helping students find their own creativity.”
In nominating her for the 2007 Excellence in Teaching Award, faculty colleagues and students at UCDHSC agree that Cockerham’s passion and professionalism form the foundation of her contributions.
“Cockerham is a professional’s instructor and an instructor’s instructor in the discipline,” writes Associate Professor and Interim Chair Austin Allen, PhD. “She maintains this role in the department by leading the assessments/outcomes process, which has become essential in the direction of teaching in this decade.
Her work with the assessments/outcomes process also garnered acknowledgement from UCDHSC Interim Director of Assessment Kenneth Wolf, PhD. “She has led the faculty through a process of developing student learning outcomes and identifying key assessments for the program, as well as serving as the author of the program’s required reports for university accreditation.”
Former Department Chair Gene Bressler, now at North Carolina State University, recalls in his nomination that Cockerham’s role in the department was expanded “because of her superb ability to make effective connections for the students between landscape architectural practice and school.” One important result was Cockerham’s work on a curriculum deficit dealing with plans in design. “She reconceived the course syllabus based on an outcomes model and delivered essentially a new course,” writes Bressler. “In addition, she worked with the other design faculty to better integrate plants into various aspect of studio.”
Cockerham enjoys the collaborative nature of working with the whole college. “My colleagues are amazing, and collaborating with them is inspiring,” she says.
Current and former student nominators such as Christine Hardy also respect and value Cockerham for her “wonderful mix of real world professional experience and current academic thought.” Hardy’s nomination letter describes Cockerham as an advisor and role model who continues to provide helpful professional advice.
Another student nominator, Jon Hunt, believes Cockerham’s true strength is as a mentor. His letter of support defines an exceptional mentor and instructor as “one who educates, encourages and builds confidence and speaks openly allowing me to see my surrounding world.”