Celebrating Excellence: Two Rollins Professors Honored with University-Level Teaching Awards at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health

At Rollins School of Public Health, excellence in teaching and mentorship is a core value. Every spring, the school celebrates outstanding faculty who inspire students through their dedication. This year, two remarkable faculty members from the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics received special recognition for their excellence in teaching.

Rameshbabu Manyam was honored with the Provost’s Distinguished Teaching Award. This award goes to faculty members who shine in both formal and informal educational settings. Manyam caught the university’s attention for his commitment to engagement, inquiry, and creative thinking in the classroom. He enjoys collaborating with students to tackle complex public health issues using advanced coding techniques. Manyam believes that a welcoming environment helps students learn better. “I strive to connect with my students, showing that I genuinely care about their growth,” he shared. Manyam sees himself as more than just a teacher; he is a mentor and a passionate advocate for their success in public health.

Amita Manatunga received the Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award, an honor given annually to one faculty member who shows outstanding teaching skills and concern for students. Manatunga is the third faculty member from Rollins to achieve this distinction since it began in 1981. Over her impressive 30-year career, she has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of public health leaders. She feels immense joy when her students succeed. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to know I’ve played a small role in their journeys,” Manatunga expressed.

Both Manyam and Manatunga’s stories highlight the role of mentorship in education. Studies show that mentorship significantly enhances student performance and confidence, leading to higher retention rates in graduate programs. This trend underscores the importance of having mentors who genuinely care about their students’ progress.

Social media is buzzing with reactions to such awards, often highlighting the community’s appreciation for dedicated educators. Hashtags like #TeachingExcellence and #MentorshipMatters are trending as more people recognize the value of good teachers in shaping lives.

As education evolves, it’s vital for instructors to adapt. Many educators are now using technology and hands-on experience to engage students better. When teachers invest in their students, it creates an environment where everyone thrives, transforming classrooms into vibrant learning communities.

Recognizing and celebrating educators like Manyam and Manatunga serves as a reminder of the profound impact one can have in the field of public health and beyond. By sharing their experiences, they inspire others to achieve excellence in teaching and mentorship.

For further reading on the importance of mentoring in education, check out the [National Mentoring Partnership](https://www.mentoring.org/) which explores the benefits of mentorship at all education levels.

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