Published on Sept. 1, 2014

Newton D’Souza, an associate professor of architectural studies, has become the third MU faculty member in the last four years to win the Ernest L. Boyer International Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The prestigious Boyer Award identifies an outstanding faculty member who expanded the boundaries of teaching, learning and technology in higher education.

“I feel I was just doing my day-to-day work, like every other faculty at MU, trying to give the best learning experience we can to our students,” D’Souza said. “This award is a bonus.”

D’Souza claims not to be a technology person, but instead someone who likes to work with technology.

“Technology is a double-edged sword,” D’Souza said. “It can be disruptive, but it also can be transformative.”

D’Souza challenges his students to communicate and think critically in order to foster more interaction between online and onsite students. According to D’Souza, knowing when and why to use technology is critical.

“Not all technology will be useful for all we do,” he said. “We need to constantly improvise, adapt and keep our eyes open.”

Past MU winners of the Boyer Award include Elizabeth Baker (2011) and Bethany Stone (2012).