UC Faculty Awards 2021: Anne Vonderheide

At every opportunity, Vonderheide seeks feedback from her students, specifically asking, ‘”How can I better support your learning?” She’s mindful that her classes comprise a diverse group of individuals and she continually seeks to innovate her teaching to better reach her students.

“Part of teaching and guiding first-year students is facing a group to whom the whole system is new, so I strive to make sure they know they are always welcome to reach out to me. Creating an inclusive culture where students feel a sense of belonging and can readily share their views and collaborate with others helps support their learning journey,” she said. 

These efforts are evident in her evaluations from her students — averaging 4.6-4.9 on a five-point scale — and by the nomination letters for this award.

“Dr. Vonderheide is a joy to work with: funny, optimistic, caring, dedicated and truly invested in the success of her students. She aims to meet students where they are and help them to be successful independently with the appropriate support from faculty,” said Lily Marrero, a former student and peer instructor in Vonderheide’s biochemistry course for nursing students.

Vonderheide has friends who think she works too much – but her retort is that it doesn’t feel like work when she enjoys it so much that she’d choose her job over curling up on her couch with a book.

“We have this amazing student population at UC,” Vonderheide said. “I just hope to influence their lives in a small positive way.”

Featured image at top/Jay Yocis/UC Creative + Brand