Mechanical engineering faculty and staff were winners of 2022 University of Utah College of Engineering Teaching and Staff Awards! These awards are given to faculty and staff in the college to recognize their outstanding work. 

The awards were announced during the annual fall faculty meeting Friday, Aug. 19, presided over by Dean Richard B. Brown.

Following is the list of recipients  from our department along with comments from some of the colleagues and students who nominated them.

COE Outstanding Teacher

Jacob Hochhalter (Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering)

“What struck me most about Dr. Hochhalter as an instructor was his willingness to listen to students’ feedback throughout the year. He didn’t wait for the survey at the end of the year, but rather checked in every week or so to make sure his students were on the same page with course content.”

 

COE Outstanding Staff

Kirstin Schmutz (Accountant, Mechanical Engineering)

“Her lively personality and excellent communication skills enable her to put everyone at ease when they came into the office. She knows all of our students and many others who have come through the front doors over the years and does a great job remembering everyone’s name. She will do anything in her power to make our faculty, staff, and students successful.”

You can read about the full awards list on the college website.