Presenting: the inaugural CALES Golden Apple Awards
Meet the fall 2024 honorees
The College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (CALES) at the University of Arizona is proud to announce the inaugural presentation of the Golden Apple Award, a new honor celebrating exceptional teaching and student impact. Created by the Cardon Academy for Teaching Excellence Fellows, this award will be presented every semester to two instructors who exemplify excellence in the classroom.
The fall 2024 honorees, as chosen by undergraduate students through a college-wide vote last May, are Preston Harris and Maggie Keef. These outstanding educators have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their students and their fields, setting a high standard for future recipients of this prestigious award.
Preston Harris, Ph.D., RDN
Preston Harris is currently an instructor in the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness within CALES. A Tucson native and lifelong Wildcat, Harris earned his doctorate in nutritional sciences from the University of Arizona in 2021 and became a registered dietitian nutritionist in 2023.
Harris developed a passion for teaching during his graduate studies, when he discovered the joy of breaking down complex topics in ways that resonate with students. “Through earning a certificate in college teaching, I learned how fun and challenging it can be, and it's something new every day,” he said.
Reflecting on this achievement, Harris expressed gratitude for the Golden Apple Award and the motivation it provides:
Harris receiving the Golden Apple Award
“It is an honor to receive one of the first CALES Golden Apple Awards, and to know that my students do appreciate the way I teach and interact with them … This award definitely gives me energy and motivation to keep trying my best to give my students the best college experience that I know how.”
Beyond his academic pursuits, Harris's life is full of unexpected facets that captivate his students. He’s a father of three, an ex-professional MMA fighter, a musician who played in a metal band, and even the owner of a small board game publishing company. His openness about his unique interests – like a love for raw garlic and whole pickled plums – helps forge a strong connection with his students.
Harris exemplifies what it means to inspire through education, seamlessly blending professional expertise with a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with students. His journey serves as a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience and the transformative impact of great teaching.
Maggie Keef
Maggie Keef, an associate professor of practice in the Fashion Industry’s Science & Technology program at the University of Arizona, is passionate about merging education, fashion and technology in an accessible and relevant way.
Keef shared these words about the Golden Apple Award and its significance to her:
“The CALES Golden Apple award means a great deal to me; it truly is an incredible honor … I understand how challenging it can be to face unnecessary hurdles in education, and I strive to provide my students with a different, more supportive environment. It’s wonderful to know that my students have a positive learning experience in my courses!”
Originally from Western New York, Keef joined the Norton School of Human Ecology in 2022. Before her move to Tucson, she worked as a designer at Fisher-Price/Mattel and taught at several institutions, including SUNY Buffalo State University.
Keef receiving the Golden Apple Award
Keef holds an M.S. in education with a focus on learning design and educational technology, as well as a B.S. in design technologies with a specialization in fashion and textile technology. Her dedication to advancing online education earned her the title of SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador in 2022.
For Keef, the learning process is rooted in embracing challenges. She emphasizes the importance of failure as a stepping stone to success, likening it to cooking:
“Anyone can follow a recipe, but without learning how to correct mistakes or understanding how everything works together, we can't progress beyond simply following the instructions.”
CALES is grateful for our instructors and the life-changing impact they make in our community. We’re proud to have them as part of our faculty.
Congratulations to Preston Harris and Maggie Keef, the fall 2024 Golden Apple Award honorees!