Kathy Hosig recognized for teaching excellence in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Kathy Hosig, of Blacksburg, Va., was awarded the 2008 Certificate of Teaching Excellence from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech.

Hosig, an associate professor of human nutrition, foods and exercise, shows her enthusiasm for public health and nutrition in the way she teaches and leads her life.

“Her healthy work ethic, drive for excellence, and perseverance have allowed her to transform how students learn inside and outside the classroom,” said Susan Clark, director of the undergraduate dietetics program. “She is able to seamlessly translate her practitioner and research skills into the classroom, making her lectures come alive.”

Hosig uses numerous educational approaches to create an environment that facilitates learning. Traditional classroom instruction, in-class application activities with small groups, online chapter quizzes before text material is covered in class, homework designed to help students practice concepts and skills covered in class, and online discussion forums designed to foster critical thinking and interaction with classmates beyond the classroom all help to engage her students in active learning and help increase their understanding and application of the concepts covered.

“It is her understanding of student engagement that makes Dr. Hosig a truly outstanding teacher,” said Joseph Marcy, interim head of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise. “Dr. Hosig has evolved into a teacher who is not satisfied with delivering content but rather is focused on what students actually learn.”

Outside the classroom, Hosig advises 40 undergraduate students and an average of five graduate students. She also involves undergraduate students in various research projects, affording students valuable opportunities to gain practical experience. The students are able to refine their skills, which makes them more competitive for post-baccalaureate dietetic internships, graduate school, or entry-level jobs.

“[Hosig’s] passion for health and nutrition is apparent in everything she does, and her enthusiasm is contagious, making all those with whom she comes in contact want to work harder to push for positive changes in our profession, in the same way she does,” said Jessica Stratton, human nutrition, foods, and exercise graduate student.