Dr. Brent Auernheimer, who is considered a leader in ensuring full access to technology for students and faculty, received the 2008 President’s Award of Excellence at California State University, Fresno.
A professor of computer science and director of Digital Campus at Fresno State, Auernheimer was honored today at the Spring Assembly for faculty and staff. University Advisory Board chair Dr. Katherine Flores, a Fresno physician, presented the award.
The President’s Award of Excellence was established in the fall of 2001 by the University Advisory Board to honor Fresno State President John D. Welty. The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who demonstrates integrity, leadership and a commitment to the university and the community as exemplified by President Welty.
University Advisory Board members, who are community leaders who consult with the president, select the winner and donate money for a $10,000 award that accompanies the honor.
Auernheimer joined the Fresno State computer science faculty in 1986 and has also been director of Digital Campus since May 2003. He previously was a visiting professor, lecturer and visiting scientist at the University of Hawaii, Manoa; Carnegie Mellon University; and Bethel College. He was a co-founder, board member and chief scientist for Oak Grove Systems and a consultant for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena.
Fresno State Digital Campus serves students by providing material that complements their varying learning styles with state-of-the-art information and academic technology. It also serves the faculty of Fresno State by providing assistance in creating and teaching online courses that are dynamic and interactive.
In her nomination letter for the award, Dr. Ethelynda Harding, director of Teaching, Learning, and Technology at Fresno State, said of Auernheimer, “His scope of knowledge is truly astounding. He is continually learning and is eager to share new information with others. Brent’s willingness to share his knowledge has touched many lives.”
Auernheimer’s master’s and Ph.D. degrees are in electrical and computer engineering, with emphasis in computer science. His bachelor’s degree is in computer science. All three degrees are from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
His research interests are software engineering, human-computer interaction and Web-based instruction.
He has written or co-authored more than 50 publications and presentations. He received the faculty award for teaching excellence from the School of Engineering at Fresno State in 1993, 1997 and 2003.
Previous President’s Award winners include Dr. Stephen A. Rodemeyer, chemistry professor and director of the Smittcamp Family Honors College; classics professor emeritus Dr. Victor Davis Hanson; health researcher Dr. Kathleen Curtis; Dr. James E. Marshall, who specializes in preparing science teachers; and Dr. Carol Fry Bohlin, who was recognized for commitment to the education of mathematics teachers.
